The New Orleans Pelicans are back in the Smoothie King Center looking to stop a six-game skid as they host the Denver Nuggets. The Pelicans know they can compete against the Nuggets, having knocked them off last month, but Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon weren’t in the lineup for that matchup.
Rebounding: The Key to Victory
In their earlier win over Denver, the Pelicans dominated the glass with a 56-38 rebounding advantage as Yves Missi led the team with 12 rebounds. However, Jokic’s return to the lineup drastically changes the rebounding dynamic. His 13.0 boards per game make him a force the Pelicans must contend with, and Gordon’s physicality adds another layer of difficulty.
Trey Murphy: Steady and Spectacular
Trey Murphy continues to carry the Pelicans offensively with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson sidelined and Dejounte Murray struggling. Over his last seven home games, he’s averaging 19.3 points on 50.5% shooting, 40.4% from three, and 88.9% from the free-throw line.
Murphy has been even better during the Pelicans’ current six-game losing streak, posting 20.7 points per game on 48.3% shooting overall and 41.9% from three. His consistency has been a bright spot, including his team-best 26-point effort in Saturday’s loss to New York.
Starters Must Step Up
The rest of the Pelicans’ starting lineup has to support Murphy if they want to stay competitive. Against the Knicks, New Orleans’ starters not named Trey Murphy shot a dreadful 14-of-43 from the field (32.6%) and 3-of-14 from beyond the arc (21.4%). Those shooting struggles left Murphy carrying too much of the offensive load, something the Pelicans can’t afford to repeat against Denver.
Jokic’s Dominance Against the Pelicans
Nikola Jokic has historically dominated the Pelicans. In 29 career games against New Orleans, the two-time MVP has averaged 22.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. His ability to control the game in multiple ways makes him the focal point of Denver’s offense. Limiting Jokic—even slightly—will be the priority for New Orleans.
What to Watch
1. Rebounding Battle Redux:
Can the Pelicans repeat their Nov. 15 rebounding dominance, or will Jokic and Gordon swing the advantage back to Denver?
2. Offensive Support for Trey Murphy:
The starters need to bounce back after Saturday’s poor shooting performance. A balanced offensive attack will be necessary to keep pace with Denver’s high-powered offense.
3. Can New Orleans Contain Jokic?
Slowing down Jokic is easier said than done. It’ll take a collective defensive effort to disrupt his rhythm and force Denver’s supporting cast to step up.
Bottom Line
The Pelicans face a tough task against a Denver team that looks much stronger than in their previous meeting. With Jokic and Gordon back in the fold, New Orleans will need a complete effort—on the boards, offensively, and defensively—to snap their six-game losing streak.
Trey Murphy can’t do it alone, and the Pelicans’ starters must find their shooting touch to give New Orleans any chance in this matchup.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Denver Nuggets | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Jamal Murray | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Christian Braun | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Michael Porter Jr. | F – Herb Jones |
| F – Aaron Gordon | F – Trey Murphy |
| C – Nikola Jokic | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun (back) is PROBABLE. Dario Saric (ankle) is DOUBTFUL. Vlatko Cancar (knee) and DaRon Holmes II (Achilles) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Karlo Matkovic (low back spasm), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (5–24) vs Denver Nuggets (14-11)
Season Series:
- Nov. 15: Nuggets def. Pelicans, 101-94
- Dec. 22: Pelicans vs. Nuggets
- Feb. 3: Pelicans @ Nuggets
- Feb. 5: Pelicans @ Nuggets
Series History: The Pelicans are 33-43 all-time against the Denver Nuggets. New Orleans has won three of the last four at home.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Dec. 22, 6:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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