New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets 3/30/2023 Analysis, Picks and Tips
The New Orleans Pelicans will go against the Denver Nuggets in NBA action in Ball Arena, CO, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET. Prior to running out of steam and getting defeated by the Warriors, New Orleans had Golden State on the ropes for three quarters. With 38-38 records going into Wednesday night, the Pelicans were second in the Southwest Division, 10.5 games behind the Grizzlies. They were eighth in the Western Conference playoff standings, 13.5 games down on the Nuggets for first place, 1.5 games down on the Warriors for the final guaranteed playoff slot, and 1 game up on Dallas for the right to go to the play-in round. With a 36-25 advantage at the end of the first quarter and a 17-point lead at the half over Golden State, New Orleans finished the period on a 16-2 run.
After three quarters, the Pelicans still had a four-point lead before a 35-20 burst of GSW in the fourth in the loss. Throughout the game, New Orleans shot 46.7% overall, including 12 of 27 from beyond the arc, while allowing Golden State to shoot 52.4%. In the defeat, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Pelicans averaged 114.3 ppg this season, which ranks them 15th in the NBA in scoring offense. With 43.7 rebounds per game, New Orleans is ranked 12th in this category. The squad is 8th in assists per game with 26 assists per game. At 112.5 ppg allowed so far this season, the Pelicans are the 10th-worst scoring defense in the NBA. Zion Williamson averages a team-high 26 points and seven rebounds per game, while Brandon Ingram averages 24.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
- The total went UNDER in 6 of New Orleans’ last 7 matches.
- The New Orleans Pelicans are 5-1 SU in their last 6 matches.
- The Pelicans are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games with Denver.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets 3/30/2023 Analysis, Picks and Tips
Denver defeated Philadelphia at home in their last game to earn their fourth straight victory. The Nuggets are 51-24 and clinched the Northwest Division title, 12.5 games better than the Timberwolves. They are three games ahead of the Grizzlies for first place in the Western Conference and have the best record there. Against Philadelphia, Denver had a seven-point halftime advantage, a four-point halftime advantage, and a 22-point third-quarter advantage. The 76ers were within three points of the Nuggets in the last minute, but they were able to hold on and secure the victory. Denver had a slim 42-40 advantage on the glass and shot 50.6% overall, including 11 of 32 from beyond the arc.
Denver averages 116.8 points per game this year, ranking 7th in the league in scoring output. The Nuggets rank second in assists per game with an average of 29.3, while they are 19th in rebounding with an average of 42.8 boards per game. Denver ranks 12th in scoring defense, surrendering 112.7 ppg on average. Nikola Jokic was the team’s top scorer, averaging 24.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game.
- The Denver Nuggets are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 matches.
- The total went UNDER in 6 of Denver’s last 6 matches.
- The Nuggets are 5-1 SU in their last 6 matches.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets. The NBA pick for this game is the Denver Nuggets. It will be difficult for New Orleans to go to Denver to take on a club like the Nuggets, who have lots of firepower, after losing to Golden State in the second half. While New Orleans only managed a meager 14-25 road record this season, Denver recorded a brilliant 32-6 home record. If Williamson were on the court, the Pelicans would be a very different team. Instead, his history of injuries continued, which limited his availability and diminished his effectiveness. This squad cannot be led by Ingram and McCollum alone, particularly when facing the best team in the Western Conference. Denver will win to a predicted score of 118-112.
NBA Starting Time: 10:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Ball Arena, CO
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA Odds: New Orleans Pelicans +6.5
NBA Totals: 229
