Nuggets vs. Pelicans prediction and odds for Tuesday, January 24 (Ride with Denver)

The Denver Nuggets have a two-game lead in the Western Conference on the Memphis Grizzlies, and they’re looking to build on that when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on the road on Tuesday night.

New Orleans has dropped four straight games, and it’s still without Brandon Ingram (doubtful, toe) and Zion Williamson (out, hamstring). The Pels have been able to stay in the top four in the East, but not having their two stars has really limited the team’s ceiling.

Nikola Jokic has missed back-to-back games for Denver, but he and Michael Porter Jr. are listed as questionable for this game.

If you think both players will suit up, you may want to jump on Denver early before their official statuses come out.

The Nuggets are 11-10 on the road but have won nine of their last 10 games, so are they being undervalued against this Pels team?

Here’s my best bet and the odds for this matchup:

Nuggets vs. Pelicans odds, spread and total

Nuggets vs. Pelicans prediction and pick

Even if Jokic or Porter Jr. misses this game, I don’t mind taking a shot on Denver here as a short favorite.

The Pelicans are 23rd in the NBA in net rating over their last 10 games, going just 3-7 over that stretch.

The team just lacks the offensive firepower to keep up on most nights with Ingram and Zion out, and the Nuggets will have a massive advantage if Jokic is able to suit up.

Denver is No. 1 in net rating over its last 10 games and No. 2 overall on the season, dominating on the offensive end with the league’s No. 1 attack.

New Orleans is 4-3 against the spread as a home dog this season, but I’m not sold on this team keeping up with the Nuggets, especially if Jokic is able to play.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.