New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Pelicans vs Nuggets November 15th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the New Orleans Pelicans (-214) will host the Denver Nuggets (+176) in a Western Conference matchup. The Pelicans (3-9) are currently on a six-game losing streak and are 5.5-point underdogs against the Nuggets (7-3).

This game will be played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans and can be seen on Gulf TV. The over/under line for this game is currently at 221 points.

Nuggets vs. Pelicans Key Information

The Nuggets improved to 7-3 this season with a 122-120 win over the Mavericks on Sunday. Denver was favored by 2 points, and the final score resulted in a push. The game’s total of 242 points exceeded the over/under line of 233 by 9 points.

Denver jumped out to a 35-29 lead after the 1st quarter, but Dallas responded by taking the 2nd quarter 34-25. The Nuggets regained control by winning the 3rd quarter 37-31 and entered the 4th with a 97-94 lead. Denver narrowly held on, as the Mavericks edged them 26-25 in the final quarter.

Nikola Jokić was dominant in the Nuggets’ 122-120 win over the Mavericks, posting 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists, shooting 61.9% from the field and hitting all 3 of his three-point attempts. Denver connected on 14 threes, shooting 48.3% from deep and 50.6% overall.

Jamal Murray added 18 points, with 8 coming in the 4th quarter, while Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 of his 17 points in the opening period. Christian Braun contributed 9 of his 14 points in the 3rd quarter.

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Defensively, the Nuggets struggled to contain the Mavericks, giving up 120 points on 53% shooting. Denver allowed 29 points in the 1st quarter, 34 in the 2nd, and 31 in the 3rd, but tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 26 points to help secure the win.

Despite the overall defensive issues, the Nuggets did well in limiting Dallas from deep, holding them to 30% shooting on three-pointers, with just 10 made. Denver also sent the Mavericks to the line 19 times, where they converted 14 free throws. The Nuggets finished with 32 defensive rebounds, while allowing 10 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 5 blocks.

The Pelicans dropped to 3-9 on the season after a 106-88 road loss to the Thunder on Wednesday. New Orleans entered the game as +14.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 194, well below the 224.5 O/U line.

A key moment came when the Thunder went on a 16-0 run, extending their lead from 61-59 to 77-59. The Pelicans managed to win the 2nd quarter 22-21 but were outscored 28-18 in the 3rd and 24-20 in the 4th.

In their 106-88 loss to the Thunder, the Pelicans struggled offensively, shooting just 39.5% from the field and 24.3% from three-point range, making only 9 threes. Brandon Ingram led the way with 18 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, hitting 4 threes at a 50% clip.

Trey Murphy added 14 points, despite shooting 33.3% overall and 25% from deep. Jamal Cain contributed 11 points, connecting on 80% of his shots and 66.7% from three.

The Pelicans gave up 106 points on Wednesday, struggling defensively in the 1st quarter where they allowed 33 points. They tightened up in the 2nd, giving up just 21 points, but the Thunder added 28 in the 3rd and 24 in the 4th.

New Orleans held Oklahoma City to 44% shooting, including 38% from beyond the arc, where the Thunder hit 15 threes. The Pelicans sent the Thunder to the line 16 times, with Oklahoma City making 13 free throws. Defensively, New Orleans grabbed 37 rebounds, allowing 5 offensive boards, while recording 3 steals and 4 blocks.

We’re backing the Nuggets for a victory, with the projected score at 107-72. Additionally, we favor them to cover the spread, so we recommend placing a bet on the Nuggets at -5.5.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 221 and given that our model is projecting 179 points between the teams, we like the under.

Slumping Pelicans Look to End Skid Against Streaking Nuggets in NBA Cup Opener

Matchup: Denver Nuggets (8-1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (3-9)
When: Friday night
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
NBA Cup Group: West Group C

The Denver Nuggets head into their NBA Cup opener riding high on a five-game winning streak, while the New Orleans Pelicans hope to break out of a six-game losing slump. Friday’s game marks the start of NBA Cup group play for both teams, with each side looking to make a statement.

Nuggets Thriving Despite Injuries

Denver is coming off a hard-fought 122-120 victory over the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday, capped by a clutch mid-range jumper from Michael Porter Jr. in the closing seconds. The win extended the Nuggets’ streak to five games, and they’ve been excelling despite the absence of starting forward Aaron Gordon, who is sidelined with a calf strain.

The break between games has allowed Denver to recharge, with coach Michael Malone emphasizing that it was a chance to reset mentally and physically.

“It seems like every game goes down to the wire,” Malone said. “It’s good to get our guys some rest to continue playing at this high level.”

The Nuggets have leaned heavily on Nikola Jokic, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Jokic posted his fourth consecutive triple-double against Dallas, tallying 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists. However, there’s some uncertainty as Jokic is listed as questionable for Friday due to personal reasons.

Without Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson has stepped up in the starting lineup. Known primarily for his defensive prowess, Watson has surprised on the offensive end, scoring in double figures in all three starts and showing efficiency from deep, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc against Dallas.

Pelicans Struggling with Injuries and Turnovers

On the other side, the New Orleans Pelicans have been reeling, dropping six consecutive games and nine of their last ten. Their latest setback came in a 106-88 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, where turnovers were a significant issue. The Pelicans committed 24 turnovers, which resulted in a 29-4 advantage for the Thunder in points off turnovers.

“The turnovers killed us,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “Some were just mistakes on our part, while others were forced by their defense.”

New Orleans has been dealing with a slew of injuries, most notably to star forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) and guards Dejounte Murray (hand), CJ McCollum (adductor), and Jose Alvarado (hamstring). This has forced players like Brandon Boston Jr. and Brandon Ingram into larger roles, with Ingram often facing double and triple teams. Despite the added pressure, Green praised Ingram for his resilience.

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“Brandon understands what we’re facing. He’ll see double teams, triple teams at times,” Green noted. “We just have to continue pushing through.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Nikola Jokic (if available) vs. Jonas Valanciunas: The battle in the paint will be crucial, especially if Jokic suits up. Valanciunas will have to contend with Jokic’s versatility as a scorer, passer, and rebounder. However, if Jokic is out, the Pelicans may have an opportunity to control the interior.
2. Peyton Watson vs. Brandon Ingram: With Watson emerging as a reliable two-way player, his defense against Ingram could be a game-changer. Ingram will need to find ways to score efficiently despite being the focus of Denver’s defensive schemes.
3. Denver’s Ball Movement vs. New Orleans’ Turnover Issues: The Nuggets excel in ball movement, which could exploit the Pelicans’ recent struggles with turnovers. Denver will aim to force New Orleans into mistakes, leading to transition points.

What’s at Stake?

This matchup is crucial for both teams, not just for NBA Cup positioning but also for building momentum in the regular season. Denver will look to maintain its dominance as it continues its road trip, while New Orleans hopes to stop the bleeding and build some confidence amidst their injury woes.

Prediction

The Nuggets’ balanced attack and depth give them an edge, especially if Jokic is able to play. The Pelicans, hampered by injuries, will need a near-perfect performance from Ingram and a reduction in turnovers to have a chance. However, Denver’s well-rested squad should have the upper hand, even if they face adversity with Jokic’s uncertain status.