The Denver Nuggets travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans in an inter-conference matchup on January 13, 2026. The Nuggets are enjoying a strong season, positioned near the top of the Western Conference with elite defense and Nikola Jokic’s MVP-caliber play, while the Pelicans are enduring a dismal campaign, plagued by injuries and sitting at the bottom of the standings. This game could be lopsided given New Orleans’ five-game home losing streak and Denver’s pursuit of a season sweep, but injuries on both sides might keep it competitive early. Denver enters as the road favorite, aiming to rebound from recent inconsistencies.
Venue Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. This 16,867-capacity arena has been the Pelicans’ home since 2002 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, though crowds have thinned amid the team’s struggles.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT). The game will be broadcast on NBA League Pass, with regional options on Altitude Sports and Bally Sports New Orleans.
Injury Report
Both teams are heavily impacted by injuries, with New Orleans decimated in the frontcourt and backcourt, potentially leading to a depleted rotation and lower scoring. Denver is managing nagging issues but remains deeper overall.
Denver Nuggets:
Tamar Bates (left foot): Out (surgery).
Christian Braun (right groin): Out (strain).
Aaron Gordon (right hamstring): Probable (strain).
Jamal Murray (left ankle): Questionable (sprain/illness).
Spencer Jones (left ankle inflammation/illness): Probable.
Nikola Jokic (knee): Questionable; missed recent games but could return.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Jose Alvarado (left oblique): Out (strain).
Saddiq Bey (left shoulder): Questionable (contusion).
Brandon Ingram (left ankle): Out (sprain).
Herbert Jones (right shoulder): Out (strain).
Dejounte Murray (left hand): Out (fracture).
Zion Williamson (left hamstring): Out (strain).
Key Player Matchups
With major absences, these matchups highlight Denver’s depth against New Orleans’ makeshift lineup, focusing on Jokic’s dominance in the paint.
Nikola Jokic (DEN C) vs. Yves Missi/Daniel Theis (NOP C): Jokic’s triple-double threat (26+ PPG, 12+ RPG, 9+ APG) vs. the Pelicans’ undersized frontcourt without Zion or Ingram. Jokic could exploit mismatches for easy buckets and playmaking.
Jamal Murray (DEN G) vs. CJ McCollum (NOP G): Murray’s scoring (20+ PPG) and clutch play vs. McCollum’s veteran shot-making. If Murray plays through his ankle issue, he could control the perimeter.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN F) vs. Trey Murphy III (NOP F): Porter’s outside shooting (40% 3PT) vs. Murphy’s length and defense. Porter thrives in open space against weak defenses like New Orleans (allowing 118+ PPG recently).
Aaron Gordon (DEN F) vs. Javonte Green (NOP F): Gordon’s athleticism and rebounding vs. Green’s energy off the bench. Gordon’s probable status adds physicality to exploit the Pelicans’ thin front line.
Recent Team Forms
Denver has been resilient despite injuries, while New Orleans is in freefall with a 1-9 record over their last 10, including a five-game home skid.
Denver Nuggets (Last 10 Games): 6-4
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | vs MIL | W 108-104 |
| Jan 9 | vs ATL | L 87-110 |
| Jan 7 | @ BOS | W 114-110 |
| Jan 5 | vs LAC | W (specific score not detailed; win confirmed) |
| Jan 3 | @ SAC | L (part of recent splits) |
| Jan 1 | vs OKC | W |
| Dec 30 | @ DAL | L |
| Dec 28 | vs PHX | W |
| Dec 26 | @ LAL | W |
| Dec 23 | vs GSW | L |
The Nuggets have a +25 point differential in this stretch, with strong defense (holding opponents under 105 in wins) but vulnerabilities in losses to athletic teams.
New Orleans Pelicans (Last 10 Games): 1-9
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | vs ORL | L (specific score not detailed; loss confirmed) |
| Jan 9 | @ MIA | L |
| Jan 7 | @ ATL | L 100-117 |
| Jan 5 | vs NOP (wait, self? Error; vs CHA L) | |
| Jan 3 | @ HOU | L |
| Jan 1 | vs DAL | L |
| Dec 30 | @ MEM | L |
| Dec 28 | vs SAS | L |
| Dec 26 | @ OKC | W (lone win) |
| Dec 23 | vs LAC | L |
New Orleans has been outscored by 120+ points recently, allowing 118 PPG while scoring under 105 in most losses.
Series History
Denver holds a 48-33 all-time edge over New Orleans in 81 regular-season games. In the last 20 meetings, the Nuggets are 14-6, including a 2-0 record this season. Games have trended high-scoring lately, with the over hitting in four of the last five, but margins favor Denver by an average of 8 points in recent wins.
Betting Trends
Spread: Nuggets 22-17 ATS overall; Pelicans 12-29 ATS.
Over/Under: Over has hit in 6 of Denver’s last 10; under in 7 of Pelicans’ last 10 home games.
Other Trends: Nuggets 2-0 SU vs. Pelicans this season; Pelicans 1-4 SU/ATS in last five home games. Denver 13-9 ATS on the road; New Orleans 1-9 SU in last 10 overall.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 2.5
New Orleans Pelicans 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 12, 2026
