When the Pelicans and Nuggets met for the first time this season on Nov. 16, the former had only three wins and were in a tailspin. A month and a week later, those three wins became five. Five. FIVE. I'm still on tilt.
The paradox: the Pelicans got their fourth win of the season on November 16, against Denver.
Date and time of the Pelicans vs. game Nuggets
Data: November 22 (23 early morning European time)
Tempo: These are the start times for the Nuggets vs. Mavericks depending on time zone.
| Spain (peninsular), France and Italy | 01:00 |
| Dominican Republic, United States (Boston, New York and Miami), Puerto Rico and Venezuela | 19:00 |
| Mexico (central), El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua | 17:00 |
| Mexico (Pacific) and United States (Los Angeles) | 16:00 |
| Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay | 21:00 |
| Colombia, Ecuador, USA (Chicago and Texas), Peru and Panama | 17:00 |
headquarters: Centro Smoothie King (New Orleans)
Quintets of Pelicans vs. Pepper
First game of the season that Nikola Jokic will miss, for personal reasons. Zeke Nnaji should start in his place.
| Pelicans | Nuggets |
| Joyful Murray | Jamal Murray |
| CJ McCollum | Chris Brown |
| Herbert Jones | Michael Porter jr. |
| Trey MurphyIII | Aaron gordon |
| Yves Missi | Nikola Jokic |
Latest news for the Pelicans: injuries and form
A month ago we justified the fact that NOLA did not raise its head due to its long list of injuries. Now they're without Ingram or Zion, but they have Murray, McCollum, Jones and Murphy III… and they remain exactly the same. The last six games are counted as losses, and the most inexplicable thing of all is how it is possible that Willie Green continues to be head coach on his bench.
It is true that they come from one of the most difficult calendars and January will be a respite, but as they are, anyone is betting on them in what will be their duels against the Wizards, the Blazers or the Jazz.
When they beat Denver, by the way, the Colorado team suffered a defeat. Not just any. Nikola Jokic was missing and will be there today. Like Aaron Gordon, another who didn't even get dressed that day.
Player to watch: Dejounte Murray
It's almost inexplicable that NOLA is the third-worst defense in the NBA when it has three typical Defensive Player of the Year candidates among its ranks. Murray, Jones and Murphy III. The problem is that two of them have barely played ten games this season, but it's time for them to start getting into gear.
Of course, having the second worst attack in the league doesn't help. And that Murray is 36.5% on field goals and 29% on three-pointers, when his NBA average is 45.5% and 34.3%… doesn't help either.
At least, with seven assists per game, he distributes the ball well.
Latest news for the Nuggets: injuries and form
They just lost to Portland (one of this year's killers) after beating the Kings, Clippers, and Hawks. Shortly before, they fell into the hands of the Wizards. If there's anything that accurately describes the Nuggets' season, it's irregularity accompanied by a certain senselessness.
Their lack of focus and intensity is causing them to lose out on tasks where they used to pass without hesitation. Oh, KCP's departure and the stability it brought!
Aaron Gordon is no longer the same as the last two years, when he was the man for everything. Now he has to recover his level. Because seeing the alternation of sand and limestone, it would not be surprising if these western pelicans, last in the ranking, gave 'the surprise'
Player to watch: Nikola Jokic
It's easy, but Pels' painting is a village market, where everyone circulates freely and without control. The Serbian will be able to put on his shoes today against rookie center Yves Missi. And its rival today, looking back, is also historically good.
Nuggets vs. Mavericks: Matchup History
Only 76 meetings between these two franchises were counted. 43-33 in favor of the Nuggets, who last year also won two of the three head-to-head matches. But they lost the last one. Even if today's quintets and those of a month ago have almost nothing to do with each other.
Pelicans vs. Prediction Nuggets
Russ, for the gap. Very little is said about Russell Westbrook, but he is calmly interpreting his role and his numbers as a second unit. He has exceeded ten assists in 3 of the last 5 games, and if Jamal Murray exhausts Dejounte in his unique duel, Russ can use the space generated to feed his team with passes and points.
High score? Denver has the sixth best offense in the league, and although NOLA is without Zion or Ingram, they don't have the best outside defense either, so the game could go to a high score, where clearly the Nuggets, and despite what is written, are clear favorites to win at home.
Where to watch Pelicans vs. Nuggets
The game between New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets can be seen in Spain through the NBA League Pass Subscription.
(Cover photo by Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
