Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 22, 2024

The Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup is one of the three games scheduled for Sunday. Denver is sixth in the Western Conference with a 14-11 record, while New Orleans is last with a 5-24 record.

The two teams have met each other 76 times in the regular season, with the Nuggets holding a 43-33 lead. This will be their second meeting this season, as the Pelicans previously beat Denver 101-94 on Nov. 15 behind Brandon Ingram’s 29 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Michael Porter Jr. led the Nuggets with 24 points.

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans game details and odds

The Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 22, at Smoothie King Center. The matchup will be broadcast locally on GCSEN and Altitude 2. Fans can also stream it live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Nuggets (-425) vs. Pelicans (+325)

Spread: Nuggets (-9.5) vs. Pelicans (+9.5)

Total (O/U): Nuggets -110 (o232) vs. Pelicans -110 (u232)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

The Nuggets had a mixed start to the season and are middle of the pack in the Western standings. They split their past 10 games and are 7-7 on the road. Denver is also coming off of a stunning 126-124 loss to the struggling Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.

Nikola Jokic had 34 points and eight assists, while Jamal Murray had 24 points and nine assists. The Nuggets offense showed up but their defense struggled to contain Portland, which ultimately cost them the game.

If Denver is in a bad situation, the Pelicans are in dire straits. After starting the preseason as one of the favorites to have a deep playoff run, injuries to key players have derailed their season so far. They are on a league-leading six-game losing streak and have won just one of their past 10 games. They are 3-13 at home.

New Orleans lost 104-93 to the New York Knicks on Saturday and will play the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday. Trey Murphy III had 26 points, while Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum had 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans betting props

Nikola Jokic’s point total is set at 29.5, which is under his season average of 31.0 points. He averages 34.8 points over the past five games and should be a safe bet to go past 29.5 points Sunday.

Dejounte Murray’s points total is set at 17.5. This is over his season average of 16.4 points. However, he has crossed that mark in four of the past five games. So, take a risk and go over.

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The oddsmakers heavily favor the Nuggets to win on the road. While Denver sustained a shocking loss to Portland, it should have a bounceback game and get a win Sunday. Bet on Jokic and Co. to cover the spread for a huge win in what should be a high-scoring game with the team total going past 232 points.