The Smoothie King Center usually has this specific kind of hum when the big names come to town, but tonight feels different. Weird, even. We’re looking at a New Orleans Pelicans vs Nuggets matchup on January 13, 2026, that looks almost nothing like what we expected when the schedule dropped months ago. If you’ve been following the Western Conference standings, you know Denver is sitting pretty at 26-13, while New Orleans is essentially fighting for air at 9-32.
But the real story isn't just the records.
It’s the medical tent.
Honestly, the injury report for this game reads like a grocery list of All-Stars. The headliner? Nikola Jokic is out. The three-time MVP is dealing with a left knee bone bruise that’s kept him sidelined, and while Denver has managed to stay afloat, playing the Pelicans without the Big Honey is a different sport entirely.
The Pelicans vs Nuggets Dynamic Without the Big Stars
Usually, this game is a chess match between Jokic’s passing and whatever defensive scheme New Orleans can throw at him. Without him, Denver has had to pivot. Hard. We’ve seen Jamal Murray taking on a massive scoring load—averaging 25.3 points per game—though he's also been nursing a sore ankle.
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On the other side, New Orleans is just... beat up. Zion Williamson is finally back and has played 11 straight games, which feels like a miracle for Pels fans. He put up 22 points against Orlando just the other day. But they’re missing Herb Jones (ankle) and Jose Alvarado (oblique), which basically guts their perimeter defense.
It’s a scrappy game.
You’ve got a Denver team that’s top-five in assist rate but is now relying on Peyton Watson to be a primary scoring threat. Watson dropped 32 on New Orleans back in November, and he's looking like the X-factor again tonight.
Why New Orleans Can Actually Win This (Seriously)
It sounds crazy given the 9-32 record, but the Pelicans have a weirdly good chance tonight. Why? Because they’ve been strangely dominant on the glass. Even with their struggles, they’re 23rd in the league in rebounding, but rookie Derik Queen has been a revelation. Queen recently notched a triple-double against Washington and dropped 30 on Denver in their last meeting.
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He’s a 19-year-old playing like a ten-year vet.
The Nuggets are 21st in rebounding. Without Jokic to vacuum up those boards, the Pelicans’ frontcourt of Zion, Queen, and Trey Murphy III could actually bully Denver in the paint. Murphy has been lethal, ranking 26th in the NBA in scoring at 21.6 points per game. If he gets hot from deep, New Orleans might actually snap their five-game home losing streak.
What Most People Get Wrong About Denver’s Depth
A lot of fans assume the Nuggets fall apart without Jokic. Not quite. They just beat Milwaukee on January 11th with a lineup of Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, and Jalen Pickett. They play "Nuggets ball" regardless of who is on the floor—heavy cutting, selfless passing, and high-efficiency shots.
They lead the NBA in points per game (122.7).
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New Orleans, meanwhile, allows 122.4 points per game. That’s 28th in the league. Basically, if the Pelicans don’t find a way to stop Jamal Murray or Tim Hardaway Jr. from getting clean looks, their rebounding advantage won't matter.
Key Stats to Watch
- The Rebound Margin: New Orleans needs to win this by +10 to stay in it.
- Jordan Poole’s Bench Spark: Poole has been coming off the bench lately, dropping 21 against Orlando. If he can give the Pels 20+ tonight, the math starts to favor the home team.
- Denver’s 3PT Shooting: The Nuggets aren’t high volume (24th in attempts), but they are surgical. If they hit over 40% tonight, it’s over.
Actionable Insights for Tonight
If you're watching or betting on this New Orleans Pelicans vs Nuggets game, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the First Quarter Paint Points: If Derik Queen and Zion are getting to the rim at will early, Denver’s lack of a true rim protector (with Jokic and Valanciunas out) will be the story of the night.
- Monitor Jamal Murray’s Movement: He’s "Questionable" with that ankle. if he looks sluggish in the first five minutes, the Pelicans’ 3.5-point underdog status looks like a steal.
- Check the Bench Scoring: Denver’s depth is being tested. If the Pelicans' bench—led by Poole and Karlo Matkovic—outscores Denver’s reserves, New Orleans has a path to an upset.
The "Blender" (Smoothie King Center) is going to be loud, and for a Pelicans team that has had a nightmare season, a win against a Jokic-less Nuggets team is exactly the kind of "moral victory" that actually keeps a locker room together in January.
Quick Tip: Look for Trey Murphy III to take at least 10 threes tonight. The Pelicans’ only real chance to keep up with Denver’s #1 ranked offense is to trade twos for threes, and Murphy is their best weapon for that strategy. Take the "Over" on his made triples if the line is anywhere near 3.5.