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Nuggets vs. Pelicans: Key matchup

By Blake Holmes

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 13: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 13: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 13, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 11: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets dunks against the Orlando Magic on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 11: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets dunks against the Orlando Magic on November 11, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Nuggets are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Pepsi Center.

There are several interesting facets about this game, including a couple of match-ups that could decide it. The Nuggets are coming off of a loss to the Portland Trail-Blazers away, while the Pelicans lost to the Raptors. This should be a high-scoring, exciting game televised on ESPN. Who should we look out for matching up tonight?

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The first match-up is the obvious one, the front-court for both teams. The Nuggets have a duo in Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap, while the Pelicans counter with Anthony Davis and Boogie Cousins. This is a clash of two of the best front-courts in the league, and it’s a bit of a different feel to the usual. That’s because each of these big men are also shooters, able to stretch the floor and play from anywhere. This could lead to several exciting plays from these four, and each play could help the team down the stretch.

Jokic and Millsap have been key contributors on a somewhat evenly contributing team. On the other side, AD and DeMarcus Cousins have been carrying the Pelicans, both averaging over 25 points per game. Look for this match-up to decide the game.

I also would look out for Jameer Nelson coming off of the bench for the Pelicans. He played several seasons as a member of the Nuggets, and it is his first time coming back since he was waived earlier this season. He won’t give a big impact, but it’s just something interesting to look forward to for New Orleans.

Next: How Connelly re-vitalized the Nuggets

Who will win this game? That’s a good question, but it may ultimately boil down to the front-court. Who has the better big men in this game? The answer to that may lead to the dub.

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