Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

At 7:00 ET, the Pelicans will host the Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Denver (-414) is currently a 9.5-point favorite over the Pelicans (+322). The over/under line for this Western Conference matchup is 231.5.

Denver is 14-11 on the season and 6th in the Western Conference. New Orleans (5-24) is 15th in the West and has lost six straight games.

DENVER NUGGETS VS NEW ORLEANS PELICANS BETTING PICK

The Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +9.5

This game will be played at Smoothie King Center at 7:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd.

WHY BET THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 120-113 in favor of the Nuggets.
• Our projections have Nikola Jokic finishing with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists.
• From the field, we have the Nuggets finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.9% and knocking down 11 threes.

Can Denver Stun the Crowd at Smoothie King Center?

Denver’s season record dropped to 14-11 after a 126-124 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Nuggets, who were favored by 8.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 250, surpassing the O/U line of 234.5 by 15.5 points.

Denver appeared to be in control after a 10-0 run stretched their lead from 66-59 to 76-59. However, they faltered in the 3rd quarter, getting outscored 38-21. Despite a strong 4th quarter where they outscored Portland 37-22, the Nuggets couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Nuggets shot 54% from the field and hit 15 threes at a 44.1% clip in their 126-124 loss to the Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokic led the way with 34 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, connecting on 4 threes at 66.7% efficiency.

Jamal Murray added 24 points and 10 assists, with 12 points coming in the 4th quarter. Christian Braun also made a significant impact in the final period, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the 4th.

Defensively, the Nuggets struggled in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, giving up 36 and 38 points, respectively, in their 126-124 loss to the Trail Blazers. They tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Overall, Denver allowed Portland to shoot 46% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Nuggets gave up 16 threes on 34% shooting. The Trail Blazers also went to the line 24 times, hitting 20 free throws. Denver finished with 32 defensive rebounds but allowed 15 offensive boards, while also recording 7 steals and 3 blocks.

Can The Pelicans Secure a Home Victory?

The Pelicans fell to 5-24 on the season after a 104-93 home loss to the Knicks on Saturday. New Orleans entered the game as +8 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total score of 197 points was well below the 223.5-point line.

New Orleans went on a 10-0 run early, taking the lead from 19-16 to 26-19, but couldn’t maintain momentum. They led 49-45 at halftime but were outscored 33-26 in the 3rd quarter and 26-18 in the 4th, as the Knicks pulled away late.

The Pelicans struggled offensively in their 93-point effort against the Knicks, shooting just 41% from the field. They connected on 12 threes at a 35.3% rate, both figures hovering around their average.

Trey Murphy III led the way with 26 points, scoring 12 in the opening quarter. Dejounte Murray added 14 points, while CJ McCollum chipped in 13.

Defensively, the Pelicans had a strong 2nd quarter, giving up just 17 points, but they struggled in the 3rd, allowing 33 points in their 104-93 loss to the Knicks. Overall, they held New York to 43% shooting.

New Orleans had trouble defending the three, as the Knicks hit 15 threes at a 40% clip. The Pelicans also gave up 15 offensive rebounds but recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks.