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 Friday, January 28th, 2022 at Smoothie King Center. 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.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(26-21) Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans (18-29)
Date: Friday, January 28th
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Smoothie King Center
NBA Moneyline Odds: Nuggets | Pelicans OFF (Bet Now!) Moneyline is off as of posting
NBA Betting Odds: Nuggets -2
NBA Betting Total: 218.5
Friday, January 28th, finds the Denver Nuggets facing the New Orleans Pelicans in their second meeting of this season. The Nuggets won the initial meeting 120-114 on December 8th. The squads will play twice more on February 4th and March 6th with Denver hosting both.
The Nuggets last played on Wednesday defeating the undermanned Nets 120-114 while the Pelicans played on Tuesday losing 107-117 to the 76ers.
Last season the clubs played three times with the Nuggets taking two of the three contests. The Nuggets hold the all-time record with 37 wins in 65 matches versus the Pelicans.
Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic has been on fire of late recently posting four consecutive triple-doubles and although it’s been three games since he added another he got two double-doubles and was only one rebound and two assists shy in the other match.
In his 42 appearances, he’s delivered 36 double-doubles and 11 triple-doubles. The seasonal averages are impressive with 26.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.4 steals. On Wednesday he registered 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Joining Jokic as Nuggets producing are Will Barton (15.4), Monte Morris (14.4), Aaron Gordon (12.5), and Jeff Green (10.8) who are each averaging double-digit scoring this season. Considering Jamal Murray is hoping to make a return this year with time to ramp up heading into the playoffs that’s a positive sign for Denver.
They reside in the sixth seed, five games above .500 and have held their own on both sides of the court with a 110.7 offense that ranks 13th and a 109.6 defense that ranks 15th.
Although, that’s not exactly the positioning Michael Malone or the front office desire when you consider Murray and possibly Porter Jr. could return the Nuggets certainly aren’t a team any of the top clubs would want to face in the first round.
Vlatko Cancar (foot) is out indefinitely. Jamal Murray (knee) continues to rehab from his torn ACL with no definitive return date and Michael Porter Jr. (back) is presumed lost for the season.
New Orleans Pelicans
It wouldn’t be out of line to suggest the Pelicans could be in line for a fire sale at the trade deadline but rumors are they want to be buyers to bolster their chances of making the playoffs even if it means coming out of the play-in tournament.
If you wipe away the poor 3-16 start to the season there might be an argument for why this is the direction David Griffin is leaning toward given the Pels are 15-13 since that start. And, they’ve done it without the services of Zion Williamson.
It sure feels like Griffin is hedging his bets in order to appease Williamson to ensure his long-term commitment with the franchise.
A recent rash of injuries has impacted the Pelicans’ depth and things are still uncertain entering this match with Brandon Ingram (ankle), Josh Hart (ankle), Devonte Graham (ankle), and Trey Murphy III (quarantine) all questionable for Friday.
Kira Lewis Jr. (ACL) is lost for the season while Zion Williamson (foot) remains away from the team rehabbing his foot with no definitive return date.
NBA Betting Trends:
- The teams are 5-5 in their last 10 head to head meetings
- The Pelicans are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 head to head meetings
- Over/Under is 3-7 in the teams last 10 head to head meetings
- The Pelicans are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The Nuggets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans’ last 9 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver’s last 8 games.
Free Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Analysis:
New Orleans is searching for consistency and while part of the issue lies in the revolving door of injuries to the club if those above reports are true they can’t afford to be inconsistent.
Denver is also guilty of inconsistent play but in their case missing two of their top offensive options with Barton also in and out of the lineup offers them a bit more leeway not that Malone is happy with the defensive fluctuations.
Ultimately, the Pelicans could also be missing their top guys and as much as Jonas Valanciunas has feasted this season, Jokic is going to have a field day against him whether it be scoring or setting up his teammates.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Nuggets -2
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 NBA season, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NBA predictions!
Register here for a FREE NBA Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!