Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions February 3rd 2025

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans NBA Mon, Feb 3, 21:00 pm.
Denver Nuggets
ML: -850
0
0
New Orleans Pelicans
ML: 600

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Nuggets Relying on Depth While Pelicans’ Injury Woes Continue

The Western Conference playoff race just got a major shake-up with the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, but for teams like the Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans, the grind for postseason positioning continues.

The Nuggets (33-19) sit fourth in the West, barely ahead of the now-Davis-led Los Angeles Lakers, while the Pelicans (28-24) struggle to stay afloat amid a brutal string of injuries.

The two teams face off twice in three days in Denver, beginning Monday night, and the Nuggets have an opportunity to create some breathing room in the standings.

Nuggets Finding Ways to Win Despite Depth Issues

Denver ended a tough five-game road trip with back-to-back wins, including a 107-104 victory at Charlotte on Saturday. However, they did so without:

🚑 Russell Westbrook (hamstring)
🚑 Peyton Watson (knee sprain)

With those key pieces missing, coach Michael Malone turned to the bench, and Jalen Pickett, Zeke Nnaji, and Christian Braun stepped up.

image 27

📢 Coach Malone on Braun’s Big Night:

“I felt that he was everywhere. He was attacking. He was shooting the 3-ball with confidence. He was guarding. Tonight was a snapshot of how he helps us win.”

🔹 Braun’s Impact vs. Hornets:
24 points
11 rebounds
38 minutes played

Nikola Jokic continued his MVP-level play with his 22nd triple-double of the season (29.6 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 10.3 APG), while Jamal Murray (20.4 PPG) and Michael Porter Jr. (18.0 PPG) carried the scoring load.

📌 Key for Denver: If Westbrook and Watson remain out, expect another deep rotation game with heavy reliance on Braun and Nnaji.

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Pelicans: Injuries Keep Piling Up

New Orleans has been decimated by injuries all season, and their bad luck continued Friday with Dejounte Murray suffering a torn Achilles in a 118-116 loss to Boston.

🚑 Murray was a key playmaker, leading the team in assists (7.4) and steals (2.0).

📢 Jose Alvarado on Murray’s Injury:

“I felt bad for him. I knew it wasn’t looking good. He loves this game, and it’s unfortunate.”

🚑 Other Key Pelicans Injuries:

  • Zion Williamson (various injuries, only 13 games played)
  • Brandon Ingram (sprained ankle, out since Dec. 7)
  • Herb Jones (shoulder, only 20 games played)
  • CJ McCollum (missed 13 games with adductor strain)

📌 Who Steps Up for New Orleans?
Zion Williamson (23.6 PPG) – If healthy, he’s the go-to option.
Trey Murphy III (22.1 PPG) – A consistent scorer.
McCollum (21.9 PPG) – Needs to carry a heavier offensive load.

Final Thoughts

🚨 Key Storylines for Monday’s Game:
📌 Can Denver’s bench continue to step up?
📌 Will New Orleans find scoring without Murray and Ingram?
📌 Can Jokic continue his MVP dominance?

🔥 The Nuggets are surging while the Pelicans are shorthanded—who takes Game 1 of this mini-series?

WinningCappers, The most trusted name in sports handicapping
spread
moneyline
over/under
Denver Nuggets
-13.5
-110
-850
O 238.5
-110
New Orleans Pelicans
+13.5
-110
600
U 238.5
-110
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