We get an intriguing matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
Despite being in last place in the Western Conference, New Orleans is just a 2.5-point underdog thanks to all the Denver injuries, and with a limited presence in the paint, my Nuggets vs. Pelicans predictions explain why Zion Williamson could be in for a big night.
Check out all my NBA picks for this Western Conference clash below.
Nuggets vs Pelicans prediction
Nuggets vs Pelicans best bet: Zion Williamson Over 22.5 points (-120)
Zion Williamson could be in for a big night. Just like the New Orleans Pelicans this season, despite rough stretches, Williamson is capable of great bursts of basketball.
He is averaging 22.8 points per game this season and has topped the 30-point plateau in four of his last eight, with a .646 effective field goal percentage during that stretch.
The Denver Nuggets currently have almost zero inside presence with both Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas sidelined with injuries.
Not only does that mean space for Williamson to work inside, but less resistance on the offensive glass.
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Nuggets vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Another thing that will keep the Pelicans competitive in this game will be moving the basketball. The Nuggets rank 25th in the NBA in opponent assists per possession.
Trey Murphy, the Pels’ 3-and-D wing, has been a solid playmaker lately as well, averaging 4.6 assists over his last five games, topping 3.5 in four of those contests.
Speaking of keeping this game competitive, let’s take the Pels to pull off the upset as home underdogs. Not only are the Nuggets missing their big men, but Jamal Murray is questionable to play as well.
Nuggets vs Pelicans SGP
- Zion Williamson Over 22.5 points
- Trey Murphy Over 3.5 assists
- Pelicans moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Pels give them hell
Zion won't be the only Pels big man with a big game here. Derik Queen is averaging 12.8 points per game this season and should have plenty of run tonight.
Nuggets vs Pelicans SGP
- Zion Williamson Over 22.5 points
- Trey Murphy Over 3.5 assists
- Pelicans moneyline
- Derik Queen Over 12.5 points (+900)
Nuggets vs Pelicans odds
- Spread: Nuggets -2.5 | Pelicans +2.5
- Moneyline: Nuggets -130 | Pelicans +110
- Over/Under: Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Nuggets vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Under is 5-2 in Nuggets games since Nikola Jokic has been injured. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Nuggets vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ALT, GCSEN |
Nuggets vs Pelicans latest injuries
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