The New Orleans Pelicans (3-9) aim to snap a six-game losing streak tonight as they host the Denver Nuggets (7-3) in the Smoothie King Center at 7 p.m. The game marks the NBA Cup opener for both teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already pivotal matchup.
New Orleans remains decimated by injuries. Despite the adversity, the Pelicans will look to channel the energy of last year’s NBA Cup, where they finished 3-1 in group play and reached the tournament semifinals.
The visiting Nuggets, on the other hand, are riding high on a five-game win streak but will face their own challenges. Superstar Nikola Jokic, who leads the league in rebounds (13.7), assists (11.7), and averages 29.7 points per game, will miss his first game of the season due to personal reasons. Denver will also be without Aaron Gordon and DaRon Holmes II, while Vlatko Concar is questionable.
Denver has not played since Sunday, when Jokic recorded his fourth straight triple-double in a 122-120 victory over Dallas. Without the three-time MVP, the Nuggets will lean heavily on Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to maintain their offensive rhythm.
For the Pelicans, taking advantage of Jokic’s absence is critical. New Orleans must deliver a strong defensive effort and find consistent scoring, particularly from Brandon Ingram, to break their losing streak.
The stakes are heightened in the NBA Cup, where point differential plays a key role in tiebreakers. With Golden State already holding a group win, the Pelicans need a victory to keep pace.
A win tonight would bolster New Orleans’ morale and serve as a much-needed boost heading into Saturday’s clash against LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the hated Los Angeles Lakers.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Denver Nuggets | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Jamal Murray | G – Brandon Boston Jr. |
| G – Christian Braun | G – Javonte Green |
| F – Peyton Watson | F – Brandon Ingram |
| F – Michael Porter Jr. | F – Trey Murphy III |
| C – Nikola Jokic | F – Yves Missi |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (low back strain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon (right calf strain), DaRon Holmes II (right Achilles tendon), and Nikola Jokic (personal reasons) are OUT. Vlatko Concar (right ankle sprain) is QUESTIONABLE.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (3-9) vs Denver Nuggets (7-3)
Season Series:
- Nov. 15: Pelicans vs Nuggets (In-Season Tournament)
- Dec. 22: Pelicans vs Nuggets
- Feb. 3: Pelicans @ Nuggets
- Feb. 5: Pelicans @ Nuggets
Series History: The Pelicans are 32-43 all-time vs. the Nuggets. New Orleans has lost two of their last three games against the Nuggets. They won the last meeting at the Smoothie King Center, 115-110.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Nov. 15, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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