Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT)
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
(Local coverage via Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network / Pelicans regional options; League Pass available.)
Venue and Logistics
The game is at the Pelicans’ home arena, Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Denver is on the road after recent Western Conference action; New Orleans hosts on the second night of a back-to-back following a Nov. 13 home loss.
Current Rosters (Key Players)
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokić (center, elite all-around production), Jamal Murray (lead guard), Aaron Gordon (forward), Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, with supporting pieces including DeMar DeRozan (in some recent rotations), Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson, and big depth (e.g., Jonas Valančiūnas or similar). The core remains intact for the most part.
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson (power forward, primary scorer/athlete), Herbert Jones (two-way wing), Saddiq Bey, Jeremiah Fears, Karlo Matković / Derik Queen (frontcourt options), Jordan Poole or similar guards, and depth pieces. Multiple key absences thin the rotation significantly.
Injury Reports
Nuggets:
Julian Strawther (G, left knee sprain) — Out (re-evaluation timeline around late November; longer-term).
Core starters (Jokić, Murray, Gordon, Braun, Johnson and others) have been available in recent reports after earlier management notes. G League assignments (e.g., DaRon Holmes II, others) noted but not impacting the main rotation.
Pelicans:
Trey Murphy III (F, bilateral patellar tendinopathy) — Out.
Dejounte Murray (G, left ankle sprain) — Out (expected multi-game absence; trade-request context noted in reports).
Yves Missi (C, left knee contusion/bone bruise) — Out.
Bryce McGowens (G, left elbow infection) — Out.
Trendon Watford (F, right ankle sprain) — Out.
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) — Questionable / monitor.
Several frontcourt and wing options are sidelined, increasing the load on Zion Williamson and remaining pieces.
Key Player Matchups
Nikola Jokić vs. Pelicans frontcourt (Zion Williamson / Matković / Queen / available bigs): Jokić’s playmaking, scoring, and rebounding should dominate. Zion’s athleticism and interior scoring provide the main counter, but Denver’s size and spacing create advantages.
Jamal Murray / Denver guards vs. Herbert Jones / Pelicans perimeter: Murray’s scoring and creation against Jones’ elite defense is a focal point. Denver’s secondary creators (Braun, Johnson) add layers.
Aaron Gordon / wings vs. Saddiq Bey / remaining Pelicans forwards: Physicality and transition play favor Denver’s versatility. New Orleans relies on Zion’s burst and opportunistic scoring.
Rebounding and paint: Denver’s edge with Jokić should limit second-chance points. Pelicans’ defense has struggled overall.
Pace and three-point shooting: Both teams can score, but Denver’s efficiency and ball movement typically control tempo against depleted lineups.
Recent Team Forms
Nuggets (6-4): Solid early record with a mix of strong wins and competitive games. They have shown resilience (including recent victories) and rank respectably in net rating. Road form has been positive in the sample. Jokić and Murray drive consistency when healthy.
Pelicans (4-9): Struggling start marked by defensive issues (allowing high points) and now compounded by a wave of injuries. They dropped a lopsided home game to Memphis on Nov. 13 (142-111) and sit near the bottom of the West. Offensive bursts (Zion, others) occur, but consistency and depth are problems, especially on the second night of a back-to-back.
Series History
Denver has the recent edge. The Nuggets took both earlier 2026-27 meetings (including a home OT win 141-135 and a road victory). Historical matchups often feature high scoring when both cores are available, but New Orleans’ current absences tilt the series further toward Denver.
Betting Trends
Trends favor Denver: stronger net rating, better recent form, and a clear talent/depth advantage against an injury-plagued Pelicans side on a back-to-back. New Orleans has been outscored significantly in recent second nights of back-to-backs. Overs can hit in high-pace or Zion-driven games, but Denver’s control often keeps totals manageable.
Jokić and Murray should orchestrate a controlled road win. New Orleans can stay competitive in spurts with Zion’s athleticism and home energy, but the combination of absences, back-to-back fatigue, and Denver’s superior structure points to a Nuggets victory by double digits. Variables include three-point variance, foul trouble on Zion or Jokić, and any surprise returns on the Pelicans’ injury report.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 12
New Orleans Pelicans 234
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 13, 2026
