New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions for Saturday October 24 2026
New Orleans gave up 123 points to Indiana in its opener. Now the Pelicans get to visit Denver and deal with Nikola Jokić at altitude. That’s not exactly the sort of trip that makes a coach sleep better. The Pelicans lost 123-120 Wednesday, a game they had every chance to win. Denver, meanwhile, opened its season Thursday against Oklahoma City. The Nuggets have had less time to settle into the schedule, but they’ll have home court and a day of rest before Saturday.
New Orleans visits Denver at Ball Arena on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Tipoff is at 9:00 PM ET on NBA League Pass. A reliable Saturday point spread and total weren’t available when this preview was prepared. Find more predictions on our free NBA picks page.
New Orleans Pelicans Have To Find Some Defense
New Orleans is 0-1 after losing 123-120 to Indiana. Scoring 120 is usually enough to give yourself a chance, and the Pelicans certainly had one. They just couldn’t get enough stops when it mattered.
The Pelicans have the offensive ability to stay competitive, but defending Denver is a different problem. Jokić can score, rebound and pass out of double teams. New Orleans can’t simply throw two defenders at him and hope for the best. Somebody else will be open, and the Nuggets are good at finding that somebody.
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New Orleans plays Utah on Friday before traveling to Denver. That’s a tough back-to-back, especially with the altitude. The Pelicans’ rotation and minutes from Friday deserve attention before anybody puts money down Saturday.
Denver Nuggets Have A Favorable Home Matchup
Denver opened its season Thursday against Oklahoma City. That gave the Nuggets an immediate test against one of the league’s strongest teams. Saturday’s opponent is different, but New Orleans can still score enough to make a game interesting.
The Nuggets’ biggest advantage is their half-court offense. Jokić can make a defense work for 20 seconds, then find a cutter for an easy basket. New Orleans allowed 123 against Indiana, so Denver should get opportunities if it moves the ball patiently.
Jokić remains the center of everything Denver does. The Nuggets don’t need him to score 40 to win; sometimes his passing does more damage than his shooting. New Orleans has to decide whether to let him work one-on-one or risk leaving shooters open.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions
Denver Nuggets Moneyline — Price Pending
I’ll take Denver at home. New Orleans can score, and a hot shooting night could make this uncomfortable. But the Pelicans are playing the second night of a back-to-back, traveling to altitude, and facing a team built around Jokić. That’s a difficult combination. Denver should have enough advantages to win.
Over — Total Pending
My lean is over, depending on the number. New Orleans scored 120 and allowed 123 in its opener. Denver has the offensive tools to exploit that defense, although the Pelicans’ tired legs could hurt their own scoring. I’d rather see the market before committing. Preliminary score: Denver 124, New Orleans 113.
Final Picks: Denver Nuggets Moneyline (price pending) and Over (total pending)
This preview was completed October 23, 2026. Friday’s New Orleans result, injuries, and the Saturday betting market require a final check.
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