1. Game Overview
The Denver Nuggets will travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:10 PM EST at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Based on the provided search results, the game will be available to watch live on television and through online streaming services.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Denver NuggetsThe Denver Nuggets enter this contest with a strong 26-13 record, positioning them as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. They have been particularly effective on the road, holding a 15-7 record away from home. The team is built around the versatile play of its core stars, who orchestrate a highly efficient offense. Denver’s success is predicated on ball movement and systematic play, which has consistently led to a positive margin of victory, currently sitting at +5.2 points per game. However, their ability to execute this system will be significantly tested given他们的 current roster availability.
New Orleans PelicansThe New Orleans Pelicans are navigating a difficult season, holding a 9-32 record. They come into this matchup on a nine-game losing streak, placing them near the bottom of the league standings. The team’s struggles are reflected in their statistics, with an average margin of victory of -7.5 points. Despite their overall record, the Pelicans have talented players who can be impactful, most notably Zion Williamson. The challenge for New Orleans has been translating individual talent into consistent team success and wins. Playing at home, they will look for an opportunity to break their losing streak against a formidable, but potentially shorthanded, opponent.
3. Injury Report
The injury report is a significant factor for both teams, with several key players listed.
For the Denver Nuggets, the team’s core is severely impacted. Center Nikola Jokic (Knee) and guard Christian Braun (Ankle) are expected to be out. Additionally, point guard Jamal Murray (Ankle) and forward Aaron Gordon (Hamstring) are listed as game-time decisions, making their status uncertain.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, they will be without key defensive players. Guard Herbert Jones (Ankle) and point guard Jose Alvarado (Oblique) are both listed as out for this matchup.
4. ATS Trends
The Denver Nuggets have been a strong team for bettors this season, posting a 23-16-0 record against the spread (ATS), covering 59.0% of the time. Their performance on the road has been a highlight, with a 13-9 ATS record. They have exceeded the spread by an average of 1.0 point per game.
The New Orleans Pelicans hold a 21-19-1 ATS record, covering the spread in 52.5% of their games. They have performed better against the spread at home, with a 13-9-1 ATS record in New Orleans. On average, they have failed to cover the spread by a slim margin of -0.4 points.
5. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Point Spread: Denver Nuggets -3
- Total: 233.5u
The betting line sets the Denver Nuggets as 3-point road favorites. This means for a bet on the Nuggets to win, they must defeat the Pelicans by more than 3 points. A bet on the Pelicans would win if they win the game outright or lose by 2 points or fewer. The total, or over/under, is set at 233.5 points, with the "u" indicating that the under is the slightly favored outcome.
6. Prediction
This prediction hinges almost entirely on the injury status of the Denver Nuggets. The current spread of Nuggets -3 is surprising given that two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is expected to be out. His absence fundamentally changes the Nuggets on both ends of the floor.
The path to victory for the favored Nuggets is narrow and depends heavily on Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon being active and effective. If they play, they would need to carry the offensive load and elevate the play of the supporting cast. Denver would have to rely on its coaching and disciplined system to overcome the loss of its superstar and grind out a road win against a struggling team.
The path to victory for the underdog Pelicans is clearer. This is a prime opportunity to snap their nine-game losing streak. Facing a Nuggets team without its centerpiece, the Pelicans can attack the paint with Zion Williamson and force a depleted Denver roster to keep pace. Playing at home, where their ATS record is respectable (13-9-1), gives them an additional advantage. They must capitalize on the significant void left by Jokic’s absence.
Given that Nikola Jokic is out, the -3 spread in favor of a road team is difficult to justify. The Pelicans, despite their poor record, are in an excellent position to be competitive and potentially win outright. The most logical conclusion is that the Pelicans will, at a minimum, keep the game closer than the spread indicates.
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans +3
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
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