The Denver Nuggets, aiming to solidify their status as Western Conference title contenders, look to bounce back from a disappointing loss when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
Denver Nuggets:
- Despite a winning record and flashes of championship potential, the Nuggets have had puzzling losses to some of the NBA’s weakest teams.
- Their latest setback was a 126-124 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Denver rallied from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to briefly take the lead, but ultimately fell on a buzzer-beating layup by Anfernee Simons.
- This loss ended a three-game winning streak. The previous loss was a 122-113 defeat to the NBA-worst Washington Wizards on Dec. 7.
- In the first game of their current three-game road trip, the Nuggets narrowly avoided another loss by overcoming a 10-point deficit with four minutes remaining to beat Sacramento 130-129.
- Denver lost to New Orleans 101-94 on Nov. 15, a game that ended a six-game losing streak for the Pelicans.
New Orleans Pelicans:
- The Pelicans have struggled since their win over Denver, managing just one victory in 16 games.
- They lost 104-93 to the visiting New York Knicks on Saturday night despite leading by as many as 13 points in the second quarter and holding a 49-45 halftime lead.
- New Orleans was outscored 33-26 in the third quarter and 26-18 in the fourth.
- Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 26 points, his second-highest scoring output of the season. He had scored 28 points two nights earlier in a 133-113 loss at Houston.
- Only two other teammates scored in double figures against the Knicks. Dejounte Murray’s 14 points were below his average, and CJ McCollum’s 13 points were nearly eight points below his average.
Key Players to Watch:
- Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum
Both teams are looking to find consistency and avoid the pitfalls of playing inconsistent quarters. The Nuggets are aiming to reassert their dominance, while the Pelicans are seeking to snap out of their prolonged slump. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams look to make a statement.
