The Denver Nuggets (26-21) travel to Smoothie King Center Friday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (18-29). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nuggets vs. Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Nuggets are coming off their first against the spread (ATS) push of the season as they won 124-118 as 6-point road favorites against the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. Denver had failed to cover five straight games prior and is 2-7-1 ATS through its last 10 games. The Nuggets are 13-12 straight up (SU) on the road this season.
The Pelicans are 11-11 SU at home and are 22-24-1 ATS this season. New Orleans is 6-3-1 ATS over its last 10 games, most recently covering as an 11.5-point underdog Tuesday at the Philadelphia 76ers.
Leading scorer F Brandon Ingram is listed as questionable, so I’d wait to make this play until his status is announced. The spread seems to indicate he’ll suit up, but better safe than sorry.
Nuggets at Pelicans odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:22 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Nuggets -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Pelicans +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -4.5 (-105) | Pelicans +4.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Nuggets at Pelicans key injuries
Nuggets
- F Michael Porter Jr. (spine) out
- G Will Barton (non-COVID illness) probable
Pelicans
- G Josh Hart (ankle) questionable
- F Brandon Ingram (ankle) questionable
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Nuggets at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 113, Pelicans 111
Money line
PASS on the money line.
I don’t love the value for Denver or New Orleans. If the Pelicans can reach the +160 territory they’re worth a look SU, but just pay the price and take the points with the home side until that point.
Against the spread
BET on the PELICANS +4.5 (-120).
The Nuggets have won four of their last five games yet haven’t covered a single time. The Nuggets are led primarily by C Nikola Jokic, who is among the MVP favorites, with two of their top three scoring options still out.
The Pelicans have the size to counterattack Jokic. C Jonas Valančiūnas will more than likely be the primary defender on Jokic and should be able to stand his ground.
Both teams rank similarly in rebounding and turnover rate, so as long as Ingram suits up, this should be a competitive battle.
Ingram has missed the last two games. He has a 110 offensive rating and a positive net rating so his status will make all the difference, and the Pelicans are a solid play if he’s available.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 218.5 (-107).
The Nuggets are 26-21 O/U this season; the Pelicans are 20-26-1 O/U.
Denver doesn’t rank highly in pace, but it has been converting Overs at a high rate recently. The Nuggets are 7-1 O/U in their last 8 games as they’ve scored 110 or more points in their last five straight and have even topped 115 points in four games along that stretch.
Similarly, the Pelicans rank 22nd in defensive rating and have hit the Over in consecutive games.
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