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The Denver Nuggets host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Pelicans-Nuggets prediction and pick.
The Pelicans are coming off their best four-game stretch of the season and are on a four-game winning streak. New Orleans has faced some tough teams but came out on top in all four. First, they defeated the Phoenix Suns right after the All-Star break, then took down the Los Angeles Lakers 123-95, followed by two more blowout wins over the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz. They scored at least 117 points in all four and at least 123 points in three of those wins. The Pelicans' offense is hot at the right time and they are currently the 10th seed by one game behind the Lakers with a (27-36) record.
Denver is coming off a win over the Houston Rockets 116-101. They are playing well also winning seven of their last eight games. OKC took down the Nuggets two games ago and if it wasn't for that the Nuggets would be on an eight-game winning streak right now. It doesn't get any easier for them, however, as their schedule is tough coming up. They now have a difficult opponent in front of them as the Pelicans are torching opposing defenses right now. Denver is (37-26) on the season and doesn't seem to be slowing down.
Here are the Pelicans-Nuggets NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Pelicans-Nuggets Odds
New Orleans Pelicans: +3.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets: -3.5 (-110)
Over: 229 (-110)
Under: 229 (-110)
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Why The Pelicans Could Cover The Spread
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There isn't an offense in the NBA playing as well as the Pelicans right now. They are scoring with ease and it's been a group effort. Zion Williamson was cleared to return to practice soon and that is even better news for this franchise. If he comes back soon he can help them get into the playoffs and potentially upset a team this year. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are two very elite offensive players and they both are coming off huge games against the Jazz. Ingram finished with 29 points and McCollum 24. Since the All-Star break, Ingram is averaging 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and is shooting 61.4% from the floor. Those are huge numbers and he's been the primary reason for their success.
The Pelicans need him to continue to stay hot because they are facing a tough Nuggets team. The Pelicans come into this game as the underdogs on the road and that is only because they are playing in Denver. The Nuggets are (18-11) at home this year while the Pelicans are (12-19) on the road. Larry Nance Jr. and Kira Lewis Jr. are the only two out for the Pelicans besides Zion, of course. For Denver, they could be without Nikola Jokic again as he missed the win over the Rockets with an illness. The team has yet to update his status for tonight. If he doesn't play, DeMarcus Cousins should fill in nicely again as he dropped a season-high 31, with nine rebounds and four assists.
Why The Nuggets Could Cover The Spread
The Nuggets clearly will want the MVP candidate back in their lineup. But if he doesn't play, I'm sure the Nuggets are content with leaving Cousins in at center. He just torched the Rockets as he finally got an opportunity to play. Notice the word there … opportunity. Cousins is proving that he can still be one of the best offensive centers in basketball, it's his availability that caused concern. Now that he is healthy, he can make an impact on this team, especially in the playoffs. The last time we saw a dominant Boogie, was when he played for the Pelicans alongside Anthony Davis. Now, he'll look to dominate them as the opponent if Jokic misses out on this game as well. If Jokic does return, I still think Cousins will earn some minutes due to his last performance.
This team needs to step up defensively tonight. New Orleans is on fire offensively and can shoot the lights out right now. They must contain Ingram and McCollum because if they don’t, it could be a long night for them. I'm going to assume that Jokic is probable for tonight as this is a big game for him to miss. It was just an illness last game so he could be set to return tonight. That would boost the Nuggets' chances.
Final Pelicans-Nuggets Prediction & Pick
Both teams are playing very well right now. But, I'm taking the Pelicans to cover this spread on the road. They are lighting up the scoreboard right now and I have to assume their offense will stay on pace. Denver is an elite team also and can easily win this game. I just feel like the Pelicans will keep their foot on the gas pedal. Take the over here as well as both teams should score a ton of points tonight.
Final Pelicans-Nuggets Pick: Pelicans +3.5 (-110) & over: 229 (-110)
