Free NBA Pick: Nuggets vs. Pelicans NBA Odds
Looking for Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans free NBA picks & NBA Odds? NBA betting sees the Nuggets taking on the Pelicans on Wednesday, December 8th at Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Nuggets Pelicans matchup.
2021 NBA Handicapping
(11-12) Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans (7-19)
Date: Wednesday, December 8th
Time: 8:00 PM (ET)
Venue: Smoothie King Center New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
NBA Moneyline Odds: Nuggets -135 | Pelicans +122 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Nuggets -1.5
NBA Betting Total: 215
Wednesday, December 8thfinds the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans tipping off in their first meeting of the season. The Pelicans last played on Sunday losing to the Rockets while the Nuggets fell to the Bulls on Monday.
The Nuggets hold the all-time record between the clubs with 36 wins in 64 meetings versus the Pelicans. Last season, the teams played three times with the Nuggets taking two of the three contests.
Denver Nuggets
Perspective can be skewed when it comes to how you choose to look at a situation. On one hand, the Nuggets entered Monday winners of two out of their last three games, and star Nikola Jokic looking every bit the MVP.
On the other hand, Denver is missing two of their best talents, had lost eight of their last 10 games, and is in the midst of a season-long seven-game road trip.
It seemed like they might’ve caught a break with the Bulls’ clutch time killer sidelined for health and safety protocols. In a few short months, DeRozan has become the unspoken leader of his new team and without him, the Nuggets perhaps thought they could steal the victory.
Instead, the confidence Chicago has exuded all season has seeped into his teammates’ DNA with the other stars stepping up.
Jokic delivered a triple-double (17 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds) but needed more help from his teammates. Although all five Nuggets starters scored in double-figures none registered over 19 points and they weren’t able to counter the offense of the Bulls and fell 97-109.
In particular, they struggled in the second half with Chicago outscoring them 63-48.
New Orleans Pelicans
Shortly after being cleared for contact, Zion Williamson suffered a setback to his surgically repaired foot necessitating decreasing his workload and stopping contact completely.
On the weekend, separate pictures of Williamson went viral with the commenters jumping in to throw shade over his apparent weight gain although one poster deleted his image and some suggested it was just a bad camera angle.
Conditioning has been an issue throughout his career and with a foot fracture, it’s not like he could do the cardio necessary. That said, since turning pro of a possible 170 games Zion has played in 85 (precisely half), and there’s no immediate return for him on the horizon.
There are numerous issues associated with the setback as rumors persist that Williamson would rather be in another market. And, if you’re the Pelicans how do you approach his rookie extension?
He’ll undoubtedly want a max deal but the Pels need to consider his numerous injuries and perhaps scale the contract similar to what Philly did with Joel Embiid. but that could backfire with a trade demand or Williamson could force a one-year deal.
Although that puts pressure on Zion to be healthy and play or risk losing big.
Some believe the Pels should throw up the white flag and tank the rest of the season, but they’ve turned a corner winning four of seven. As the Wolves discovered a strong week or two can shift a team’s fortunes and the Pelicans are only 4.5 games out of the play-in.
Bottom line every game for New Orleans feels like it carries extra pressure.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The teams are 5-5 in their last 10 head to head contests
- The Pelicans are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over Under is 2-8 in the team’s last 10 head to head matchups
Free Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Prediction
As much as the Pelicans are already in “win or go home” mode the Nuggets are equally desperate to get back to .500 and since the best player on the floor is the Joker I’m banking on Denver to rebound from the loss in Chicago.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Nuggets -1.5
If you’re looking for more NBA picks like this Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free NBA predictions on the blog during the entire 2021 NBA season, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NBA picks!
Register here for a FREE NBABetting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!
