New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets Picks and Prediction for Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Use Code SSWC The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Denver to face the Nuggets at Ball Arena on Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET, on GCSEN. The Pelicans remain winless through three games, while the Nuggets have won two straight following a loss to open the season. Half-court to transition — NBA picks for New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets with key factors and winning picks.
New Orleans Pelicans Look to End Early Slide
The New Orleans Pelicans enter this matchup 0-3 overall and 0-1 on the road, averaging 109.3 points per game while allowing 122.7. Jordan Poole is the leading active scorer, averaging 20.0 per game. With Zion Williamson (27.0 ppg) sidelined, the Pelicans have leaned on their perimeter play and scoring in transition, though their shooting percentages have been below par. New Orleans has shot just 41.2 percent from the field with 20.3 assists per game, both below league averages.
Defensively, the Pelicans have struggled. New Orleans averages 42.3 rebounds per game, which is less than Wednesday’s opponent, Denver. Opponents have used second-chance looks to score against the Pelicans. The absence of rim protection on the defensive end has put added pressure on the Pelicans, who haven’t kept opponents under 120 points in any game. The team’s -13.4 average scoring margin is a good example of their issues at both ends.
The Pelicans’ latest game, a 122-90 loss to Boston, showed how quickly the offense can fade under pressure. Poole’s 22 points kept them close early, but the team was outscored 31-4 in the final nine minutes. Rookie Derik Queen contributed 12 points, but without Williamson’s interior presence, New Orleans had no answer once Boston started to hit its shots. The defeat marked their third straight loss to open the season, including a pair of overtime losses earlier in the week.
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Injuries:
- Zion Williamson (foot) – Game-time decision
- Kevon Looney (ankle) – Out until Nov 8
- Dejounte Murray (knee) – Out until Jan 2
Denver Nuggets Offense Rolling Behind Murray and Jokic
The Denver Nuggets have opened 2-1, winning both contests by large margins. The Nuggets are averaging 130.3 points per game while shooting 52.4 percent from the field, the second-highest mark in the league. Jamal Murray is fresh off a 43-point performance that included a 23-point third quarter against Minnesota. Nikola Jokic continues to post impressive numbers, averaging a triple-double through three games with 25 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in Denver’s most recent win.
Denver’s ball movement remains strong, averaging 29 assists per game. The offense thrives on tempo and stretching the floor, and an average of 44.0 rebounds per game has allowed them to move quickly into transition. The defense allows over 110 points per game, but the offense has compensated well, evidenced by two wins in three outings.
In their 127-114 victory over the Timberwolves, Murray’s third-quarter explosion completely turned the game. Denver trailed by eight at halftime before outscoring Minnesota 45-29 in the third. Jokic’s playmaking and rebounding anchored the team through the final minutes, while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 20 points and Peyton Watson scored 12. The Nuggets’ veteran leadership and strong offense helped them withstand multiple Minnesota runs in the fourth quarter.
Injuries:
- Cameron Johnson (ankle) – Game-time decision
New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets Pick
Spread Pick for Pelicans vs. Nuggets
- Denver Nuggets -13 (5 Units)
New Orleans is a subpar basketball team with or without Zion Williamson. Denver’s offense, combined with a home-court advantage, creates a difficult matchup for a Pelicans team still searching for answers at both ends. With Murray and Jokic producing and the Nuggets shooting over 50 percent from the field, expect them to control tempo and dominate inside against a short-handed New Orleans roster. If Williamson cannot go, Denver’s inside-out game will expose the Pelicans’ interior shortcomings.
Over/Under Pick for Pelicans vs. Nuggets
- Over 239.5 (4 Units)
Denver has cleared 125 points in back-to-back wins, and New Orleans’ defensive struggles make another high total likely. The Pelicans have surrendered at least 120 points in all three losses, while the Nuggets’ offensive effectiveness (52.4 FG%, 29 assists per game) suggests high-scoring will continue. Even if the Pelicans’ offense does not perform well, Denver’s pace and shooting will push the total over the posted number.
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