The New Orleans Pelicans will try to bounce back from Monday night’s loss as they take on the Denver Nuggets for the second time in three nights. With the trade deadline looming, the Pelicans have already traded away veteran backup Daniel Theis, so they will be without a key reserve as they attempt to snap their six-game skid and even the season series with the Nuggets.
On Monday, the Pelicans fell 125-113 to the Nuggets, despite an explosive 41-point performance from Trey Murphy III. CJ McCollum chipped in 30 points, but Nikola Jokic’s triple-double (his 23rd of the season) and Michael Porter Jr.’s 36 points were too much to overcome. Denver was missing key players Russell Westbrook (hamstring), Peyton Watson (knee), and Aaron Gordon (calf). Gordon remains questionable for Wednesday, while Westbrook and Watson are ruled out.
No one knows injuries as well as the Pelicans. Brandon Ingram has now missed 27 consecutive games with an ankle injury, Herb Jones remains out with a shoulder injury, and Zion Williamson has played in only 14 of New Orleans’ 50 games this season. Williamson was on the court Monday but was held to 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Murphy, however, has stepped to the forefront, averaging 26.4 points over his last 10 games and 26.3 points per game against Denver this season. McCollum also seems to have refound his shooting touch, posting his eighth 30-point performance (including 17 in the fourth quarter) of the year in the loss.
Denver has won seven of its last 10 games, averaging 122.8 points on 52.6% shooting during that stretch. Jokic continues to dominate, putting up 29.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game while leading the league in triple-doubles. The Nuggets also destroy teams with their scoring inside, ranking first in the NBA with 59.2 points in the paint per game. That’s a horrible match for the Pelicans, one of the worst teams defending the paint.
New Orleans trails Denver 2-1 in the season series and will try to secure a split for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Denver Nuggets | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Jamal Murray | G – CJ McCollum |
| G – Christian Braun | G – Javonte Green |
| F – Michael Porter Jr. | F – Trey Murphy |
| F – Zeke Nnaji | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Nikola Jokic | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon (calf) is QUESTIONABLE. Vlatko Cancar (left knee), DaRon Holmes (right Achilles rupture), Petyon Watson (knee), and Russell Westbrook (hamstring) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-38) vs Denver Nuggets (31-19)
Season Series:
- Nov. 15: Pelicans def. Nuggets, 101-94.
- Dec. 22: Nuggets def. Pelicans, 132-129
- Feb. 3: Nuggets def. Pelicans, 125-113
- Feb. 5: Pelicans at Nuggets
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 33-45 all-time against the Denver Nuggets and have lost two of three this season. New Orleans last won in Denver on Mar. 30, 2023.
Where: Ball Arena
When: Feb. 5, 8:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
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