Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview
Nov 17, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) is guarded by New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Denver defeated the Pelicans 115-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Matchup: Denver Nuggets (11-15) vs New Orleans Pelicans (7-19)
Location: Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
Time: Sunday, December 20th at 6 p.m. MT
How to Watch: Altitude, FSNO
Betting Line (per Bovada): Pelicans +1
Projected Starting Lineups:
Denver – PG Jameer Nelson, SG Gary Harris, SF Danilo Gallinari, PF Kenneth Faried, C Joffrey Lauvergne
New Orleans – PG Tyreke Evans, SG Eric Gordon, SF Alonzo Gee, PF Anthony Davis, C Alexis Ajinca
The Nuggets look to get started on a new win streak as they play the Pelicans back in Denver Sunday night.
The teams come in going in opposite directions as the Nuggets trend upwards after winning five of their last seven, while the Pelicans are 3-4 in that same stretch.
In the only meeting this season between the teams, the Nuggets won 115-98. However, it is important to note that All-Star Anthony Davis and center Omer Asik were both out. Davis injured himself with six minutes to go in the first quarter and Asik was battling with the flu.
However, the Nuggets still had a great game, especially Danilo Gallinari. The shooting forward went for a season-high 32 points, shooting 12-19 from the field including five three-pointers.
The Nuggets will have to deal with the return of Davis and Asik, while their own star, Emmanuel Mudiay, will be out another game with a sore ankle. Jameer Nelson will look to continue his strong play at the point guard position.
Keys to the Game:
Jameer Nelson, Nuggets Players Assisting
Even though the Nuggets likely need another strong game from Gallinari, how Nelson plays in this game will be crucial.
First, Nelson has been great from beyond the arc. Even though his season average three-point shooting is just 31%, Nelson shot 67.6% and 57.1% from behind the arc in two of the Nuggets’ last five games.
His best shooting performance came in the game where the Nuggets rallied to win a high scoring game against the Timberwolves 112-100.
In addition, and arguably more important, is how the Nuggets assist on their baskets. As of December 12th from Denver Stiffs, before Mudiay went down, the Nuggets were scoring 36.2% of their baskets unassisted.
The Nuggets need to keep the ball moving on offense, getting each other involved and open up easier shots from each other on the perimeter.
Score Prediction:
Nuggets 112, Pelicans 102