The Denver Nuggets are on a roll and well-rested.
They’ve had four days off since their fifth straight win, a 122-120 home victory against the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday. They kick off a three-game road trip on Friday when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans.
Coach Michael Malone utilized just eight players against the Mavericks, knowing the upcoming break provided “a chance to give our guys a break mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, whatever you need” and to “try to continue to play at this same level that we’re playing at.” Denver swept its five-game homestand over the course of nine days, with three of the victories decided by just two points.
Michael Porter Jr.’s mid-range jumper with 6.5 seconds left secured the win against Dallas. Nikola Jokic notched his fourth straight triple-double with 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists, along with three steals. He shot 13 of 21 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
The three-time NBA MVP is averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists, but his status for Friday’s game is uncertain. The Nuggets listed Jokic as questionable due to personal reasons on Thursday.
Denver hasn’t skipped a beat despite the absence of starting forward Aaron Gordon, who has missed the last three games due to a calf strain and will be sidelined for multiple weeks.
Peyton Watson has stepped in for Gordon and, despite being primarily a defender, has scored in double figures in all three starts and made all four of his 3-pointers against Dallas.
The short-handed Pelicans are also dealing with several key players out, much like the Nuggets.
New Orleans has lost six straight and nine of their last ten games after a 106-88 defeat at Oklahoma City on Wednesday night. Alongside missing leading scorer Zion Williamson (hamstring), the Pelicans were without their top three ball-handling guards—Dejounte Murray (fractured hand), CJ McCollum (adductor), and Jose Alvarado (hamstring).
The absence of these players was evident as the Pelicans committed 24 turnovers, leading to a 29-4 advantage for the Thunder in points off turnovers.
Pelicans coach Willie Green acknowledged that some turnovers were a result of Oklahoma City’s defense, which leads the NBA with an average of 19.5 forced turnovers per game.
Brandon Boston Jr., a shooting guard on a two-way contract, has taken on more ball-handling duties and committed six turnovers against the Thunder. Brandon Ingram had eight turnovers as he continues to face increased defensive attention.
Friday’s game is the NBA Cup opener for both Denver and New Orleans, as they compete in West Group C.
