Pelicans Face Uphill Battle Against Dominant Nuggets
The struggling New Orleans Pelicans, holding a dismal 2-12 record, prepare to host the powerhouse Denver Nuggets, standing strong at 10-3, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The matchup at Smoothie King Center presents a classic case of David versus Goliath, with the Pelicans desperate to snap a four-game home losing streak and a broader six-game skid.
Bookmakers have installed Denver as substantial 13-point favorites, reflecting the vast disparity between these teams' current forms. The game's total points line, known as the over/under, is set at 232.5 points, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Team Dynamics: Angry Nuggets vs Struggling Pelicans
The Denver Nuggets arrive in New Orleans with a point to prove. Their previous outing ended in frustration as they fell to the Chicago Bulls on their home court, a loss attributed to their inability to make crucial defensive stops throughout the game. This defeat has left the team playing with a sense of anger and determination to return to winning ways.
Conversely, the Pelicans' season continues to spiral. Plagued by a significant injury list and inconsistent performances, they have managed only two victories. Their six consecutive losses include four defeats by double-digit margins, highlighting their struggles on both ends of the court. The team's woes are compounded by the absence of key players, making victories exceptionally hard to come by.
Injury Report: Key Absences for Both Sides
The Pelicans' lineup remains severely compromised. Star forward Zion Williamson is marked as questionable with a left hamstring strain, having already missed the last eight games. His potential absence is a massive blow, as in the five games he has played, he has been phenomenal, leading the team with averages of 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
Joining him on the doubtful list is Saddiq Bey (left ankle sprain). The team's injury report also confirms several players are definitively out: Karlo Matkovic (right calf strain), Jordan Poole (left quad strain), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), Trey Alexander (G League two-way), and Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way). Poole's absence is particularly felt, as he was averaging 17.3 points in his seven appearances.
For the Nuggets, the injury list is shorter but notable. Both Christian Braun (ankle) and Julian Strawther (back) have been ruled out for the contest.
Expected Lineups and Key Players
With Williamson and Bey questionable, the Pelicans are expected to field a starting five of Trey Murphy III and Brandon Ingram at the forward spots, Jonas Valanciunas at center, and the guard duo of Herb Jones and C.J. McCollum. Murphy leads the team in scoring with 19.7 points per game, while rookies Jeremiah Fears (15.3 ppg) and Derik Queen (10.4 ppg) have been rare bright spots in a challenging season.
The Nuggets will counter with their formidable and experienced lineup: Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon at forward, the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic at center, and the backcourt of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray. This core group presents a formidable challenge for any opponent, let alone a depleted Pelicans squad.
Game Prediction and Viewing Details
Given the stark contrast in form, roster health, and overall momentum, the Nuggets are the clear favorites. The Pelicans' defensive vulnerabilities and reliance on potentially limited players make an upset a tall order. Denver's motivation to bounce back from their recent loss, combined with their superior talent, points toward a comfortable victory for the visitors, likely covering the 13-point spread.
Fans can catch all the action live on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. CT from the Smoothie King Centre. The game will be broadcast on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. For those preferring radio or streaming, the options are WWL 870 AM for the radio call and Pelicans+ for the online stream.
