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Match ups to Watch: Nuggets vs. Pelicans

By Mitchell Carter

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 17: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Dante Cunningham #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans at the Pepsi Center on November 17, 2017 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 17: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Dante Cunningham #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans at the Pepsi Center on November 17, 2017 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Well, the six-game road trip is finally over and the Nuggets can resume their home dominance tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Nuggets finished the road trip with a 2-4 record, but could very well have finished 4-2. They proved that they can hang with the some of the best in the East despite playing the Celtics on the second night of a back to back without Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic, and Will Barton.

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It’s time to get back to our winning ways tonight, as we welcome Demarcus Cousins and company to the Pepsi Center. Here are the key matchups to watch for tonight’s game.

The Match ups Between the Big Men

Injuries to the front court are nothing new to either the Pelicans or the Nuggets. When the Nugget’s faced off against the Pelicans for the first time, the Pelicans lost Anthony Davis to a concussion. Davis has recently returned from a groin injury, so New Orleans appears at full strength. Denver is still without  Millsap, and Jokic is probable for tonight’s contest.

The matchups to watch tonight will be the Pelican’s front court vs. the Nugget’s front court.

Demarcus Cousins played lights out the last time these two teams met, which cannot happen again. Gina Mizzle from the Denver Post explained why Demarcus needs to be contained in her article regarding tonight’s game.

"“Boogie” dropped 40 points, 22 rebounds, four assists and four blocks on the Nuggets less than two weeks ago in a 123-114 Denver loss that left coach Michael Malone fuming about his players’ disregard for the defensive scouting report."

Even though he played out of his mind merely two weeks ago, he can still be slowed down. Remember the Nugget’s first meeting with Cousins?  He was a non-factor in the first meeting, as he was held off the glass and pushed outside the paint.

If Denver wants to win this game, the Nugget’s big men will need to hold both Cousins and Davis in check.

Gary Harris vs. Jrue Holiday

Another match up to watch for in the back court will be Jrue Holiday vs. Gary Harris. Gary is coming off of a career high in points and really finding his confidence again with his jump shot. Holiday, on the other hand, has been a force to be reckoned with at the rim. He is one of the league’s best finishers, so Harris will need to stay in front of him to shut him down.

Final Note

The key to this game is to make someone other than Davis, Cousins, or Holiday beat you. That trio is responsible for 62% of the Pelicans total points according to ESPN stats. If they can be held in check, the Nuggets will have a great chance to get back to their winning ways.

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