Two Western Conference squads still searching for their first victory of the season square off at Ball Arena tonight as the Denver Nuggets host the New Orleans Pelicans.
Playing the second leg of a back-to-back at elevation is a brutal task for New Orleans, and the underlying metrics—along with the current injury report—don't do the visitors any favors.
Read on for our Pelicans vs. Nuggets prediction and top NBA picks as we lay out why all signs point to a convincing Denver bounce-back on Saturday, Oct. 24.
TOP PICK
Pelicans vs Nuggets prediction: Nuggets -11.5
The spread is wide, but the Denver Nuggets are capable of covering it, especially at a probability 50% or lower.
The moneyline might be a safer pick, but it would need to come down more than 20 points—to 60% or so—to be worthwhile.
The Nuggets have a double-digit spread over the New Orleans Pelicans for the fourth time in their last five clashes. Denver has covered it two of three times so far. The Nuggets opened the season with a road loss at title contender OKC.
The Pelicans have lost twice by close margins to 60-loss teams from last season.
Look for Denver to find its league-best offensive rhythm against New Orleans and for the Pelicans to revert to its low expectations against a strong Nuggets team.
COVERS INTEL: While Denver's high-powered offense remains elite, their revamped defense provided encouraging signs in the opener as debutant Alpha Diallo helped hold Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under 20 points for the first time in 142 games.
Pelicans vs Nuggets combo
Denver sharpshooter Cam Johnson left the opener with an ankle injury. He wasn’t expected to miss much time, but if he’s slowed by the balky ankle, it will hurt the Nuggets’ outside shooting. Spencer Jones, who missed the opener with a bad hamstring, is also out.
While the Nuggets’ offense may bounce back, it will still feel the effects of the early injuries. Denver also seems to be playing at a slower pace, which will keep the points total down.
New Orleans also had injury woes, with bright spot Yves Missi leaving Friday’s game after hurting his knee. That will weaken an inside game that, outside of Zion Williamson, was a weak spot last year.
Pelicans vs Nuggets combo
- Nuggets -11.5
- Under 239.5
- Nuggets 1H -6.5
Pelicans vs Nuggets player props
Pelicans player prop: Zion Williamson Under 5.5 rebounds
Williamson played 62 games last season, his second highest total ever. Part of the reason for his increased durability was a decrease in physical play. He had his lowest rebounding average of his career, at 5.7.
He started off this season with 3 and 5 against two weak teams. He’s even shier about mixing it up on the offensive boards, with just two total rebounds on that end this season.
Missi was expected to handle that this season, but with him slowed by injury, look for Williamson to let Derik Queen handle that work. .
Nuggets player prop: DeMar DeRozan Over 14.5 points
The veteran newcomer to Denver scored 13 in his debut with the team. This game will likely be played at a higher pace than the OKC contest, so look for DeMar DeRozan to look more comfortable in his second game with his new teammates.
He had a 10% usage rate in the preseason, which jumped up close to his career 26% rate in the opener, so he’s already finding his way.
After getting just eight shots in 28 minutes in the opener, he’ll be more aggressive and Jokic will find him, especially if Johnson is out.
- Top picks: 0-1, -1.0 units
- Combos: 0-1, -1.0 units
Pelicans vs Nuggets odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Pelicans +11.5 (51%) | Nuggets -11.5 (50%)
- Over/Under: Over 239.5 (52%) | Under 239.5 (49%)
- Moneyline: Pelicans 20% | Nuggets 81%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Pelicans vs Nuggets trend
The Under is 4-1 in Nuggets last five overall and 5-1 in the last six following a loss. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Pelicans vs Nuggets
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 |
| Tip off | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | League Pass |
Pelicans vs Nuggets 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.
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