Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Pelicans meet for the third time this season, where they split their first two matches. This is not the last time these two teams will meet as they still have their last and fourth regular season match. However, the squads of these two teams are different since the Pelicans will miss key players, while the Nuggets parade healthy team. They last met each other last week, where it was the Pelicans who won that match. The Nuggets on the other hand is hoping to bounce back in this game. This meeting will be on February 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM (GMT+8), with the Nuggets playing as hosts.
The Nuggets and the Pelicans are both from the Western Conference, but when it comes to the standings, they are far from each other. They used to be just next to each other in the standings, but due to injuries, the Pelicans failed to continue their good run this season. Currently, the hosts are at the top of the Western Conference, with a record of 34-16. On the other hand, the visitors are at the eighth of the standings, winning 26 of their 51 matches. Can the Pelicans continue their win against the Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets
Coming into this game, the Nuggets only have one goal in mind, that it two finally end their two-game losing streak. On their last game, they suffered a 126-119 defeat against the 76ers, blowing off a 15-point lead. All in all, from their last four games, they already lost to three games. Turnover is an area of concern for the Nuggets, having 14 on their last match, due to the pressure from the 76ers. This is an issue they need to address because if they want to win their next games. After all, their turnovers are a good indicator of what will be the result of their match. They are currently at the eighth in offense with 116.5 points per game, and the 13th in defense, allowing 112.7 points per game.
Nikola Jokic is the one leading the Nuggets, with 25.1 points per game, 10.9 rebounds, and 9.9 assists, a nearly triple double game. Jamal Murray also provide contribution for his team, having 19.1 points per game. Fortunately, there are no fresh health concern for this team.
New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans is a team who started this season strong, but unfortunately, due to series of injuries, they were not able to continue their good run. Actually, they lost to nine of their last 10 games, which is why they are hungry to win in this game. On their last match, they allowed 37 first-quarter points, which is not a good indicator for them. Additionally, from the paint, they allowed 58 points, but only scored 44. This is not a shock though as they are without their main men on that match. They were not able to be successful from beyond the arc, which could have been a key for them. This squad is at the 12th in offense with 115 points per game, and 15th in defense allowing 113.5 points per game.
Although Zion Williamson is the one leading the Pelicans with 26 points per game, they will be without him as his injury still needs re-evaluation. With that, CJ McCollum is the one expected to lead the Pelicans with 21.3 points per game.
Prediction:
Denver Nuggets
Total Under: 120.5
Odds: 0.88
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