New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets – Free NBA prediction and picks – January 13, 2026

New Orleans Pelicans – Denver Nuggets: survive without Jokic?

A one-sided card on paper at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans are in deep trouble; the Nuggets are a bit shorn but still dangerous. Denver’s missing its star. New Orleans is in a nasty skid. That context could decide the game.

New Orleans Pelicans: season off the rails

The Pelicans’ season is turning into a nightmare. Ten defeats in their last eleven games. Worst record in the league. Nothing yet to suggest it’ll improve. The talent’s there, but the squad hasn’t been able to string performances together since that December 2025 flash — five straight wins and then back to this mess.

Defensively they’re gasping. Giving up more than 122 points per game, Willie Green’s men are one of the league’s worst units. Offense can’t cover it, despite occasional flashes. Against Orlando (118-128) they folded late, getting eaten alive in the fourth quarter.

The roster’s still banged up. Missing Jones, Alvarado and Murray knocks the balance out. Zion Williamson’s return helps around the rim, Trey Murphy III keeps producing, but team play is limited. No offensive flow. Losing the glass. Few instincts and set patterns. Problems pile up.

Denver Nuggets: solid despite the absences

In the seven games since Nikola Jokic went down, the Nuggets have won four. That’s solid. It shows the roster’s depth and that the role players can step up when required. Wins over Boston (114-110) and Philadelphia (125-124 OT) are the kind of results you point to when Jokic returns.

They’re leaning on athleticism and depth now. More rotations. More attacks at the rim. Some guys are seizing the moment. Tim Hardaway Jr. proved it with a night against the Bucks (27 points, 8/12 shooting), while Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson bring energy and versatility.

On the road Denver’s been excellent this season — 15-7 away. Even without Jokic, they’ve got enough weapons to punish a permissive Pelicans defense. If Jamal Murray can suit up, the edge tilts further toward the visitors.

NBA Pick New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets

Nuggets to win

Even shorn, Denver looks a cut above a drifting New Orleans. The Pelicans struggle to show real defensive intensity. Denver stays structured, disciplined and efficient, especially in transition and in the paint. This could be a fast, open game — and Denver’s collective control should do the job, even without Jokic.

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