The Denver Nuggets (1-2) and New Orleans Pelicans (0-3) meet Wednesday for a Western Conference clash at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Nuggets vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Nuggets lead 1-0 with a 145-141 OT win Saturday in Denver
The Nuggets lost to the Golden State Warriors 134-114 Monday, failing to cover as a 7.5-point home favorite with the Over (235.5) clearing with ease. Veteran F DeMar DeRozan put up a team-high 21 points, with C Nikola Jokic chipping in 19 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds. Denver has failed to cover in all 3 games this season and has fallen off a cliff defensively, allowing
134 points or more in 2 straight games.
The Pelicans have managed to score 119 points or more in all 3 games, but are still without a win. They covered as an 11.5-point underdog in Saturday's 141-135 overtime loss in Denver as the Over (239.5) cleared. F Trey Murphy III tallied 26 points and was among 8 Pelicans to score at least 9 points. New Orleans is one of 4 teams still winless this season.
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Nuggets at Pelicans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 11:03 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -190 (bet $190 to win $190) | Pelicans +154 (bet $100 to win $154)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -4.5 (-110) | Pelicans +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 240.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Nuggets at Pelicans key injuries
Nuggets
- F Cameron Johnson (ankle) doubtful
- F Spencer Jones (hamstring) out
- G Julian Strawther (knee) out
Pelicans
- C Yves Missi (knee) out
- G Jordan Poole (illness) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 126, Pelicans 122
Moneyline
PASS.
Avoid this play. While the Pelicans (+155) might be a tad enticing, the preferred route is on the spread.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS +4.5 (-110).
The Pelicans have yet to win, but they've also yet to lose by a significant margin, which is telling of their ability to keep games close. They have lost by 3, 1, and 6 points, going 2-1 ATS in those contests. New Orleans ranks eighth in offensive rating, which is far higher than the Nuggets, who sit 18th.
Denver's defense ranks 26th in the league, so it hasn't thrived on that side of the court either. Jokic hasn't had the help he needs and has relapsed this season, which should continue into Wednesday's game. Expect a close one and back PELICANS +4.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 240.5 (-115).
Neither side knows how to defend. Both teams rank in the bottom third of the NBA in defensive rating. With the Pelicans sitting fifth in pace, this high-tempo game should have plenty of scoring opportunities. The Nuggets are 2-1 O/U, while the Pelicans are 3-0 O/U and have allowed at least 120 points in all 3 contests.
Take OVER 240.5 (-115).
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and predictions
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