Four days ago, Denver and New Orleans played one of the wildest games of the young NBA season. Now they do it again, this time in the Big Easy, and the Pelicans know exactly how close they came.
The Denver Nuggets visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, October 28, with tip-off around 8:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. local). It's the second meeting in five days, and it comes with a lot of storylines.
What Happened Last Time
On Saturday, Denver beat New Orleans 141-135 in overtime. It was a wild finish: the Nuggets outscored the Pelicans 37-18 in the fourth quarter and 15-9 in the extra period to steal it.
The numbers from that game stand out:
- Jamal Murray exploded for 42 points, hitting 8 of 16 from three.
- Nikola Jokic filled the stat sheet with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Trevon Brazile (17 points, 9 rebounds) and Christian Braun (15 points, 8 rebounds) added support.
- For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III scored 26, Dejounte Murray added 22, and Zion Williamson and Derik Queen each scored 17.
The Pelicans shot over 50% from the field and had 33 assists, but 18 turnovers and a collapse down the stretch cost them the game.
Denver: A New-Look Roster Around the Same Star
The Nuggets enter the year with a retooled supporting cast. Jokic said the starting unit is the same, "but there's a bunch of new guys," and that the new players "are going to be good." DeMar DeRozan is among the newcomers, and David Adelman is running the team as head coach.
Denver opened its season with a loss to Oklahoma City, so Saturday's overtime win was a statement. The question now is whether the Nuggets can back it up on the road, in a place where they won't have the benefit of altitude.
New Orleans: So Close, Again
The Pelicans have the talent to hang with anyone on a given night. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, and Dejounte Murray give them scoring from several spots, and they proved Saturday that they can trade punches with the best offense in the league.
The problem has been closing. Turnovers have been a recurring issue, and giving up a 37-point fourth quarter is the kind of thing that stays with a team. Playing at home, in front of their own crowd, gives them a chance to flip the script.
What to Watch
- Revenge factor. Do the Pelicans come out with extra energy after losing a game they could have won?
- Jokic vs. the frontcourt. He had a triple-double against New Orleans on Saturday. Can anyone slow him down?
- Turnovers. New Orleans had 18 last time. Denver had 11. That gap matters.
- Rest and rotations. Teams playing the same opponent twice in a week can change their lineups quickly.
- Home court. The Pelicans get to play in New Orleans this time.
Why This One Is Tricky
A rematch four days after an overtime thriller is a tricky spot for both sides. The game plan is fresh, the adjustments are obvious, and the margin between the teams was razor thin. Oddsmakers will have to decide how much to weigh the last result against the change of venue.
We ran the numbers and landed on a pick we feel good about, complete with the moneyline, expected value, and edge that our subscribers see before tip-off.
👉 See the full breakdown and unlock the pick at thelongshotreport.com/predictions
This preview is based on information available before the game. Lineups, injuries, and odds can shift, so always double-check the numbers before you bet. Sports predictions aren't guarantees, and betting carries risk.