NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions – January 13, 2026
The Denver Nuggets travel to Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans in a high-powered Western Conference clash on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Denver enters as a modest 3-point road favorite (-146 ML), while the Pelicans are priced at +122 to win outright. The total is set at a lofty 235.5, signaling expectations of pace, efficiency, and shot-making on both sides.
This matchup features two of the West’s top six seeds with playoff positioning on the line. Denver (26–13) has won seven of its last nine and continues to look like a serious title contender. New Orleans (23–16) has also found rhythm lately, especially at home, where they’ve been one of the toughest outs in the league. This game presents strong betting angles — and potentially actionable numbers — for side, total, and derivatives.
Advanced NBA Models in Action
See Value Before the Books Adjust
Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds
Here’s how the market currently stands. Be sure to monitor any updates through the latest NBA odds page before tipoff.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | -146 | -3.0 (-110) | O 235.5 (-110) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +122 | +3.0 (-111) | U 235.5 (-110) |
Denver Nuggets Betting Form
The Nuggets are finally rounding into championship form. Nikola Jokić is once again anchoring the offense with surgical precision, averaging near triple-double numbers and making everyone around him better. Jamal Murray has looked fully healthy over the last few weeks, and Denver is getting consistent contributions from Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon.
Offensively, the Nuggets rank top-5 in both assist rate and effective field goal percentage. Their pace is controlled (bottom-10 in tempo), but their halfcourt offense is nearly impossible to stop when Jokić operates freely from the elbow and top of the key. Denver doesn’t rely heavily on the three — they’re 24th in 3PT attempt rate — but their precision and shot selection make up for the lack of volume.
On defense, they’ve climbed to 7th in defensive rating over the last 10 games. They’re still vulnerable in transition, but they control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities. Denver’s biggest defensive strength is in forcing opponents into late-clock shots without fouling.
The Nuggets are 10–8 on the road, but just 8–10 ATS in those games. Still, they’ve covered three of their last four road tilts, and their focus tends to sharpen against playoff-caliber opponents.
Watch the Denver Nuggets injury report before locking in any bets. You can also check Denver Nuggets team stats and trends to track their road/home splits and efficiency metrics.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Form
The Pelicans are building momentum after a shaky start to the season. Zion Williamson has played in 11 straight games — a key metric for their offensive stability — and Brandon Ingram is stringing together efficient scoring nights from all three levels. With CJ McCollum spacing the floor and Herb Jones locking down opposing wings, this team is one of the most well-balanced in the West when healthy.
New Orleans is 14–5 SU at home this season and has covered the spread in 11 of those wins. Their offense flows through quick ball movement and aggressive rim attacks. They rank top-10 in points in the paint, and are top-3 in fast break scoring. When Zion gets downhill, they become extremely difficult to contain, especially if the defense lacks lateral speed or rim protection depth.
Defensively, they’ve made strides. Over the last 10 games, the Pelicans are 6th in opponent FG% and have turned up the pressure on the perimeter. They switch well and can trap or rotate with athleticism across all five positions.
Their weakness? Discipline. They foul often — especially in late help situations — and struggle when forced into extended halfcourt sets. They’re also vulnerable to elite playmakers who can manipulate help defense, which could be a problem against Jokić.
Be sure to monitor the New Orleans Pelicans injury report before betting this one, especially for Zion or McCollum. Also, visit the New Orleans Pelicans team page for performance trends and recent matchups.
Golden State Warriors
vs
Portland Trail Blazers
Open
vs
Jan 13, 2026 23:10 EST
–
Score
–
-10.50 -110
Spread
+10.50 -110
o+225.50-110
Total
u+225.50-110
-400
Moneyline
+310
Los Angeles Lakers
vs
Atlanta Hawks
Open
vs
Jan 13, 2026 22:40 EST
–
Score
–
+2.00 -110
Spread
-2.00 -110
o+234.50-115
Total
u+234.50-105
+112
Moneyline
-132
Oklahoma City Thunder
vs
San Antonio Spurs
Open
vs
Jan 13, 2026 20:10 EST
–
Score
–
-6.50 -110
Spread
+6.50 -110
o+228.00-110
Total
u+228.00-110
-278
Moneyline
+220
Nuggets vs Pelicans Matchup Breakdown
This is a high-level Western Conference showdown that offers several contrasting factors bettors can lean into:
- Pace and Possessions: Denver plays slow and deliberate, while New Orleans thrives in transition. The tempo battle will be key — if the Pelicans speed it up, they can outpace the Nuggets’ halfcourt sets.
- Rim Protection: Neither team is elite here, but Denver allows fewer paint touches. If they wall off Zion, they’ll force more mid-range from Ingram and McCollum — less efficient shots.
- Turnovers: Both teams are solid at taking care of the ball, but Denver creates fewer takeaways. That may allow the Pelicans to control tempo and limit fast-break vulnerability.
- Clutch Play: Denver is 12–5 in clutch games this season and leads the league in offensive efficiency in the final 5 minutes. The Pelicans are just 6–9 in those spots.
Also worth noting — this is not a back-to-back for either team, but it is game three of a four-game home stretch for New Orleans. Denver is on game two of a road swing, with two full rest days in between.
If you’re looking to dig deeper into matchup models and tempo-based betting, check out our NBA expert betting guide for advanced strategy tools.
Smarter NBA Betting Starts Here
Trends, Pro Picks, and Live Edges
Nuggets vs Pelicans Predictions and Best Bets
This line opened with Denver as a slight road favorite and has held steady. From a numbers standpoint, the spread seems fair — but I’m leaning toward New Orleans +3.0 (-111). The Pelicans are 14–5 at home, and their athleticism and transition edge could give Denver trouble, especially early.
That said, Denver has the edge in halfcourt execution and late-game poise. This might come down to which team dictates style. If the game is close late, Denver’s Jokić-Murray duo gives them a distinct advantage in crunch time.
On the total, I lean Under 235.5. Both teams can score, but Denver slows games down, and if they succeed in controlling pace, this stays well below 230. Also, both defenses have improved significantly over the past month. If the refs let them play physically, this could be a grind late.
Alternate lean: 1H Under 118.5 — if the game starts tight and tactical, early scoring could lag.
Best Bet: Pelicans +3.0 (-111).
NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Need more betting firepower? Visit today’s NBA picks for sharp expert predictions on every NBA matchup.
Compare ROI, unit profit, and streaks on our handicapper leaderboard or follow profiles on our top sports handicappers list for multiple betting styles — whether you prefer sides, totals, or props.
To unlock premium insights and exclusive picks, buy expert picks and follow top cappers with proven long-term records.
