The Denver Nuggets will meet the New Orleans Pelicans for their second face-off of the season on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center. The matchup is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET, with the Nuggets coming off some difficult games, including a narrow loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Currently, the Nuggets stand as 10-point favorites against the Pelicans, who are struggling significantly this season with just five wins, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Last time these two teams met, the Pelicans emerged victorious with a score of 101-94. This previous game was played on November 15, 2024, and provided the Pelicans with one of their few wins this season, where they leaned heavily on their standout players. The Pelicans will aim to replicate this success but will need to overcome the odds stacked against them due to injuries to key players.
Despite the Pelicans' recent struggles having them on a six-game losing streak, their potential for surprising performances remains. The Nuggets, too, have been inconsistent, and even with their All-Star Nikola Jokic at the helm, they have faced their share of ups and downs this season. Currently, the Nuggets sit with a record of 14-11, including struggles to maintain consistency when favored by significant margins.
The Pelicans are going to be without several key players due to injuries. Most critically, Zion Williamson will not suit up due to his persistent left hamstring issue, which has limited him to appearing in just six games this season. This absence will undoubtedly weigh heavily on New Orleans as they lack his impactful scoring and rebounding ability.
Game Stats and Predictions
Statistically, the Nuggets are averaging 119.4 points per game, ranking them fourth overall, but their defense allows 116.9 points per game, putting them 25th. Contrarily, the Pelicans are lagging at 104.9 points per game, placing them dead last among NBA teams.
Regarding individual performance, Jokic is expected to be the standout as he leads the Nuggets with impressive stats: averaging 31 points and nearly 13 rebounds each game. His prowess particularly against the Pelicans is notable, considering he has recorded the most triple-doubles (10) against them across his career. The betting odds favor Jokic to exceed expectations, and he remains the focal point for the Nuggets' offense.
One key narrative to watch during this matchup will be whether the Nuggets can adjust defensively to handle the remaining Pelicans players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, both of whom often step up as primary scorers. McCollum will need to carry the weight offensively for New Orleans if they hope to end their losing streak.
The over/under for the game is set at 231 points, which reflects both teams' struggling scoring efficiencies. The Nuggets have had some high-scoring games, but their recent inconsistency raises questions about hitting the over. Looking back, both teams have also struggled to reach the required points frequently, particularly with New Orleans' scoring averaging considerably lower.
Given these circumstances, many analysts and bettors are skeptical about Denver covering the spread of ten points. The last four matchups at the Smoothie King Center have seen the home team win and also cover the spread, so Pelicans supporters will be hopeful this trend continues, even with the current season’s woes.
For fans eager to catch the game, it will be broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports and ALT2, with streaming available via Fubo. Pre-game preparations will take place at the Smoothie King Center, a location known for its vibrant atmosphere during home games.
This matchup provides both teams with the opportunity to assess their standings and adapt as they head deep toward the middle of the NBA season. With the Nuggets aiming to stabilize their performance and the Pelicans desperate for a win to avoid pulling too far behind, this game is set to be quite significant for the narratives surrounding both teams.
Overall, the Denver Nuggets enter as the clear favorites, but as every NBA fan knows, anything can happen on game day. Will Nikola Jokic lead his team to victory, or can New Orleans snap their losing streak with a surprising upset? Fans can look forward to what promises to be an exciting encounter on December 22, 2024.
