Western Conference foes square off when the Denver Nuggets (51-24) host the New Orleans Pelicans (38-38) on Thursday night. Denver has been rolling and has won four straight games as it sits in the top spot in the Western Conference. On the other side, New Orleans has won five of its last six games, and the Pelicans currently own the seventh seed in the conference. Nikola Jokic (calf) is questionable for Denver, while Zion Williamson (hamstring) remains out for New Orleans.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. Caesars Sportsbook lists Denver as a 5.5-point favorite in the latest Pelicans vs. Nuggets odds. The over/under for total points is 226.5. Before making any Nuggets vs. Pelicans picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 24 of the 2022-23 NBA season a stunning 70-36 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,900. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Pelicans vs. Nuggets and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are the NBA lines and trends for Nuggets vs. Pelicans:
- Pelicans vs. Nuggets spread: Denver -5.5
- Pelicans vs. Nuggets Over-Under: 226.5 points
- Pelicans vs. Nuggets money line: Denver -225, New Orleans +185
- NO: Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall
- DEN: Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games
- Pelicans vs. Nuggets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Nuggets can cover
Forward Michael Porter Jr. is a sound scorer who has a lights-out jumper from all three levels while owning good ball handles to break down the defense. The Missouri product averages 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and shoots 42% from downtown. On March 22 against the Washington Wizards, Porter Jr. logged 21 points, seven boards, and went 6-of-9 from 3-point land.
Forward Aaron Gordon is an explosive player who soars above the rim and has a nose for piling up rebounds. The Arizona product also has a reliable jumper on the outside. Gordon averages 16.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest. In the March 18 matchup versus the New York Knicks, he had 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
Why the Pelicans can cover
Forward Brandon Ingram owns an all-around offensive attack. Ingram is very lanky and long which allows him to shoot right over defenders. The 25-year-old logs 24.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He's scored at least 25 points in seven straight games, and in his last outing versus the Warriors, Ingram had 26 points, eight boards, and seven assists.
Guard CJ McCollum provides New Orleans with another outside shooter as he has a pure jumper and is able to consistently be a mid-range assassin. The Lehigh product also makes good reads as a passer. McCollum averages 20.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per contest. In the March 25 game against the Los Angeles Clippers, he dropped 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
How to make Pelicans vs. Nuggets picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 233 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in over 60% of simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who Nuggets vs. Pelicans? And which side of the spread hits in over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
