The New Orleans Pelicans (8-23) and Denver Nuggets (21-8) square off at Pepsi Center in the Mile High City at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the final day on the Christmas slate. We analyze the Pelicans-Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
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Pelicans at Nuggets: Key injuries
Pelicans: PF Zion Williamson (knee) is making progress, but he remains out indefinitely.
Nuggets: C Bol Bol (foot) remains out indefinitely.
Pelicans at Nuggets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Nuggets 120, Pelicans 99
Moneyline (ML)
The Nuggets (-500) are heavily favored to give the Pelicans a lump of coal on the final game of the Christmas Day schedule. But if you want to keep your stocking full, don’t risk five times your return, and bet the spread.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Nuggets to win outright returns a profit of $2.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The NUGGETS (-8.5, -115) are 0-5 ATS in the past five meetings the Pelicans (+8.5, -106), so that might give some trend bettors pause. However, consider the fact the Nuggs have heavy juice, and the books are begging you to take the Pellies at plus-money. That tells you the books want you on NOLA. Be smart and slam the home side. It’s easily winning by double digits.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS. The total of 220.5 is going to be too close for my liking. I expect the Nuggets to build a gigantic lead into the fourth quarter and then power down. If I had a lean, I’d go ever so slightly under (220.5), but not enough to risk any of my holiday lettuce. Of course, watch the number up to tip-off for any movement.
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