Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans 25 October 2026 Prediction

Both teams opened the regular season with losses. Denver fell 96-84 to Oklahoma City, while New Orleans lost 123-120 at home to Indiana. The Pelicans face Utah before visiting the Nuggets, giving them two games in two days. Can they keep up with Denver?

Denver's Offense Struggles in the Opener

Denver's game at Oklahoma City was a defensive contest. David Adelman's team held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander without a field goal in the first half and led at halftime. The Thunder defended better after the break, though Gilgeous-Alexander's streak of 141 consecutive games with at least 20 points came to an end.

Jokic and Jamal Murray each played more than 35 minutes but scored just 19 points combined, one fewer than Aaron Gordon. Denver also lost Cameron Johnson to an ankle injury in the 11th minute. DeRozan stepped in for Johnson, but the veteran is not yet at his best. With limited bench depth, the Nuggets can ill afford to lose a starter this early in the season.

Denver Predicted Lineup: Jamal Murray, Brown, Cameron Johnson, Gordon, Jokic

Out: Strawther (injury)

Manager: David Adelman

New Orleans Fades After Halftime

While Denver faced Oklahoma City's strong defense, New Orleans had trouble containing Indiana's offense in a 123-120 loss. The Pelicans led in the first half but struggled to keep pace after halftime. Their rebounding advantage, led by Yves Missi's 13 points and 14 rebounds, was not enough.

New Orleans defended the perimeter well, holding Indiana without a made three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Jamahl Mosley's team had more trouble with the Pacers' quick possessions. That could be a problem against Denver, last regular season's highest-scoring team. The schedule adds another challenge: the Pelicans must play two strong offensive teams on consecutive days.

New Orleans Predicted Lineup: Fears, Dejounte Murray, Murphy, Williamson, Missi

Out: None listed

Manager: Jamahl Mosley

Denver's Recent Record Against New Orleans

Denver won all three meetings with New Orleans in the 2025-26 regular season, by scores of 122-88, 125-118 and 122-116. The Nuggets have not lost to the Pelicans at home since March 2023.

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Denver Nuggets Handicap -10.5

Main pick: Jokic and Murray should have a better offensive showing after Denver's loss to Oklahoma City. New Orleans struggled against quick opponents in the preseason and against Indiana, and this will be its second game in two days. We expect the Pelicans to have trouble containing Jokic. The pick is Denver Nuggets -10.5.

Team total pick: Denver scored only 84 points against Oklahoma City, but New Orleans presents a more favorable matchup for its offense. The Nuggets scored at least 122 points in each of their three meetings with the Pelicans last season. The additional pick is Denver Nuggets team total over 120.5.