Nuggets Short-Handed, but Jokic Still Gives Denver the Edge in New Orleans

By NBA Stat Desk How we produce articles

Denver's depth is thin, but Nikola Jokic and a recent win over New Orleans make the Nuggets the pick.

DEN @ NOP Oct 29, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC

The Nuggets reach New Orleans with an injury report that matters. Cameron Johnson was downgraded to out with a right ankle sprain, and he is a starter, so Denver loses lineup stability and floor spacing. Alpha Diallo, Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther are also out, which leaves the rotation thin. If the game turns into a long scramble, that lack of depth is Denver's biggest vulnerability.

The Pelicans are 0-3 and badly need a win, but they have already seen what Denver can do. In the first meeting this season, the Nuggets erased a 23-point deficit and beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime. That result gives Denver a 1-0 series lead, and it also shows how fragile a big advantage can be against this team. Nikola Jokic was central to it, finishing with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Without Johnson, Denver will lean even more on Jokic's scoring and passing to organize the offense.

New Orleans has one possible lift on its own bench. Saddiq Bey is averaging 15.7 points and four rebounds in 23.7 minutes, and one article argues his play deserves minutes now going to Mathurin. If the Pelicans lean toward Bey's efficiency, they could add scoring punch against a Denver group missing wing depth. The Nuggets, at 1-1, are coming off a loss to Oklahoma City, so they have reason to avoid another slip.

Expect New Orleans to play with urgency and to test Denver's thin rotation. Even so, Jokic's command of the offense is the most reliable factor in this matchup. I expect the Pelicans to stay close, but Denver should find enough late-game answers to leave with a narrow road win: Nuggets 124, Pelicans 118.

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