My Nuggets vs. Pelicans prediction is that another blowout loss is in store for a New Orleans Pelicans team that has proven incapable of stopping anyone or anything lately.
The Denver Nuggets are 12.5-point road favorites, having not played since Wednesday and with three wins in their last four games. New Orleans, meanwhile, is playing on no rest.
Let's dive into my analysis and NBA picks for Saturday, Nov. 14, ahead of the 7 p.m. ET tipoff at the Smoothie King Center.
TOP PICK
Nuggets vs Pelicans prediction: Nuggets -12.5
The New Orleans Pelicans have been a defensive disaster over their last four games, allowing 139.4 points per 100 possessions—15.1 more than any other team. Their defensive effort has vanished, too, as they're forcing just 12.3 turnovers per game (24th), down from 20.5 (2nd) during their four-game winning streak.
New Orleans has lost by an average of 33 points during this stretch and now faces a Denver Nuggets offense averaging 121.1 points per 100 possessions (4th) over their last four outings.
Denver covered this number in New Orleans on Oct. 28, prevailing 104-91. That was its third-lowest scoring performance of the campaign, but since then, the team has averaged 117 points (9th) on 50% shooting (1st).
I'm taking the Nuggets up to -14.5. They've had a nice layoff, and now get to beat up on a defense that just surrendered at least 139 points to two bottom-third offenses.
COVERS INTEL: New Orleans is producing 11.5 fewer points in the paint over the last four games (45) than its league-best average of 56.5. Denver is allowing just 44 (14th) over that same period. 
Nuggets vs Pelicans combo
Denver's team total of 123.5 points might seem high, considering the Nuggets have surpassed that number just three times this season.
The Nuggets did drop 141 points on New Orleans in overtime at home on Oct. 24, at least, and still would have registered an Over at the end of regulation with 126 points. Toss in the Pelicans' historically awful defensive numbers, and you have the makings for an Over here.
Cameron Johnson was inactive for Denver's prior two meetings with the Pelicans in 2026-27, but the 30-year-old sharpshooter hasn't skipped a beat in six starts since returning to action.
He's shooting 49.2% from the field and 41.1% from behind the arc, averaging 13.3 points, and has finished with at least 18 points in two of his last three appearances.
Nuggets vs Pelicans combo
- Denver Nuggets -12.5
- Denver Nuggets Over 123.5 points
- Cameron Johnson Over 12.5 points
Nuggets vs Pelicans player props
Nuggets player prop: Nikola Jokic Under 1.5 made threes
Play up to 65%.
This feels like one of those nights where heavy usage from Nikola Jokic won't be required to fend off such feeble competition.
The three-time league Most Valuable Player didn't even attempt a single 3-pointer in New Orleans earlier in the season, and has only converted multiple triples in one of his six appearances since.
Jokic's 23.3 3-point efficiency is on pace to be the worst of his career. If Denver pulls away early, the chance he sees little action in the second half rises exponentially, improving the likelihood of an Under for this prop.
Pelicans player prop: Jeremiah Fears Under 18.5 points
Play up to 62%.
With Dejounte Murray reportedly requesting a trade, the keys to the ignition are now firmly in the hands of sophomore guard Jeremiah Fears.
That doesn't mean there won't be growing pains, though. Fears has gone Under Saturday's prop of 18.5 points in three straight games, shooting just 41% from the field during that span.
The 21-year-old playmaker is averaging just 10.5 points on 39.1% true shooting in his two looks at Denver this season. Fears has hit an Over once in five career meetings, and Saturday shouldn't be any different.
- Top picks: 10-15, -7.28 units
- Combos: 4-21, +0.96 units
- Props: 25-23, -1.77 units
Nuggets vs Pelicans odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Nuggets -12.5 (49%) | Pelicans +12.5 (52%)
- Over/Under: Over 234.5 (50%) | Under 234.5 (51%)
- Moneyline: Nuggets (84%) | Pelicans (17%)
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Nuggets vs Pelicans trend
Over is 5-0 in the Pelicans' last 5 games as a favorite. Find more NBA betting trends.
or our Sports Interaction promo code if you're in Canada.
How to watch Nuggets vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, La. |
| Date | Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 |
| Tip off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | GCSEN, Pelicans.com |
Nuggets vs Pelicans latest injuries
Check out our NBA injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
