Mile High basketball hits different. Seriously. When you see the New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets on the calendar, you aren't just looking at another Western Conference scrap; you're looking at a clash of basketball philosophies that feels like a fever dream. On one side, you have the altitude and the methodical, rhythmic dominance of Nikola Jokic. On the other, the Pelicans bring this weird, hyper-athletic, switch-heavy chaos that—when it’s clicking—actually gives Denver fits.
It’s about the oxygen. Or the lack of it.
Most teams roll into Ball Arena and look gassed by the middle of the second quarter. The Pelicans, though, have built a roster designed to outrun their own lungs. Watching Brandon Ingram navigate the mid-range while Aaron Gordon tries to physically move him off his spot is basically a high-stakes game of "who blinks first." People focus on the stars, but this specific matchup usually comes down to whether New Orleans can survive the "Jokic Minutes" without their bench units giving up a 12-0 run.
The Nikola Jokic Problem and How New Orleans Tries to Solve It
Let’s be real. Nobody "stops" Nikola Jokic. You just try to make his life slightly more annoying. When the Pelicans at Denver Nuggets game tips off, the first thing I’m watching is the positioning of the Pelicans' bigs. Historically, New Orleans has tried a "front and help" strategy. They don't want the Joker catching the ball with his feet in the paint because, at that point, you’re already dead. It’s either a soft touch floater or a cross-court whip pass to a wide-open Michael Porter Jr.
The Pelicans have a unique toolset here. While many teams are forced to go small against Denver, New Orleans actually has some bulk to throw around. It’s a physical grind. Zion Williamson, when healthy and engaged, is one of the few humans on the planet who can actually match Jokic's sheer mass, though they play the game from opposite ends of the vertical spectrum.
Denver’s offense is basically a circular motion. It never stops. Jamal Murray comes off a screen, Jokic sets a re-pick, and suddenly the Pelicans' defense is stretched like a rubber band. If that band snaps, Denver wins by fifteen. If the Pelicans can stay disciplined and keep their hands in the passing lanes—which Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones are elite at doing—they can actually turn those Nuggets passes into transition points.
The Altitude Factor is No Joke
You’ve probably heard the broadcasters mention it a thousand times, but the 5,280 feet above sea level is a legitimate tactical advantage for Denver. It’s why the Nuggets consistently have one of the best home records in the NBA.
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For the Pelicans, the strategy has to be depth. You can't play your starters 40 minutes in Denver. You just can’t. New Orleans head coach Willie Green usually has to dip into his rotation earlier than usual. This is where guys like Jose Alvarado become "X-factors." You need that "Grand Theft Alvarado" energy to disrupt the Nuggets' flow and, honestly, to give the starters a chance to catch their breath on the bench.
Brandon Ingram vs. The Nuggets Wing Defense
Ingram is a bucket. Plain and simple. But against Denver, he faces a specific type of defensive pressure. The Nuggets usually throw Aaron Gordon or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (depending on the lineup) at him. Gordon is a bruiser; he’s going to use his chest to keep Ingram from getting to his spots.
What’s fascinating is how Ingram adapts. He’s one of the few players left in the league who truly loves the long two. In a modern NBA obsessed with three-pointers and rim runs, Ingram’s ability to stop on a dime from 18 feet is a counter-punch to Denver’s defensive scheme, which often drops their bigs to protect the rim.
If Ingram is hitting that jumper, it forces Jokic to come up higher on the floor. That’s exactly what New Orleans wants. If Jokic is 20 feet away from the basket, he can't rebound. If he can't rebound, he can't start the fast break. It’s all connected. It’s a domino effect that most casual fans miss while they're waiting for a Zion dunk.
The Zion Williamson Variable
Zion is the ultimate disruptor. When the New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets game becomes a track meet, Zion is a one-man fast break. However, Denver is smart. They know Zion wants to get to his left hand every single time.
Watching the Nuggets' help defense collapse on Zion is like watching a coordinated military maneuver. They "wall up." They don't necessarily try to block the shot—that’s a fool's errand. Instead, they try to take the charge or force him into a difficult kick-out pass. The success of the Pelicans depends almost entirely on whether their shooters (looking at you, CJ McCollum) can punish Denver for sagging off to help on Zion.
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Why This Matchup Defines the Western Conference Pecking Order
The West is a gauntlet. There’s no other way to put it. For New Orleans, proving they can win in Denver is the ultimate "we’ve arrived" statement. For Denver, these games are about maintaining the standard.
There’s a specific psychological edge that Denver holds. They know they have the best player in the world. They know they have the championship DNA. When the Pelicans play in Denver, they aren't just playing against a team; they’re playing against a culture of winning.
Honestly, the bench play is usually where these games are won or lost. Denver’s bench has had its ups and downs over the last couple of seasons. If the Pelicans' second unit—led by the likes of Jordan Hawkins or whoever is healthy in the rotation—can win their minutes against the Nuggets' reserves, the Pelicans have a massive chance to steal a road win.
Key Stats That Actually Matter
Don't look at the PPG. Look at the "Points in the Paint" and "Second Chance Points."
- Rebounding: Denver is elite at ending defensive possessions with a board. If New Orleans can snag 10+ offensive rebounds, they stay in the game.
- Turnovers: You cannot give the Nuggets free possessions. Jokic will punish every single mistake with a touchdown pass that makes your head spin.
- Three-Point Volume: The Pelicans sometimes get shy from deep. Against Denver, you have to take—and make—at least 35 threes to keep pace.
Tactics and Late-Game Execution
In a close game at Ball Arena, the last five minutes are a masterclass. Denver runs "Jokic-Ball." It’s basically just the Joker at the elbow making decisions. It’s impossible to guard because there is no right answer.
New Orleans usually counters with a heavy dose of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram in the pick-and-roll. It’s a battle of styles: the selfless, pass-first brilliance of the Nuggets versus the high-level shot-making of the Pelicans.
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The Pelicans' defense in these moments is usually what determines the outcome. If Herb Jones can get a deflection or if the team can force a 24-second violation, the momentum shifts. But in that thin air, late in the fourth, legs get heavy. That’s when the Nuggets usually pounce.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think this is a mismatch. It’s not. While Denver has the rings, the Pelicans have the length and the wing depth to be Denver's kryptonite. The problem for New Orleans hasn't been talent; it’s been availability. When these two teams are both at 100% health, it’s arguably the most tactical matchup in the entire Western Conference.
It isn't just about who scores more; it’s about who controls the tempo. Denver wants a "slow-fast" game—slow in the half-court, fast on the break. New Orleans wants a chaotic game. They want the Nuggets feeling rushed and uncomfortable.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're watching or betting on the next Pelicans at Denver Nuggets game, stop looking at the season averages. They lie. Instead, focus on these specific indicators in the first twelve minutes:
- Check the Pelicans' Pace: Are they pushing the ball after every Denver miss? If they are walking it up the floor, they are playing into Denver’s hands.
- Watch Jokic’s "Aggression" Meter: Sometimes Jokic wants to pass for the first three quarters. If he comes out and scores 12 points in the first quarter, New Orleans is in trouble. It means he’s sensed a weakness in their post defense.
- The Herb Jones Impact: Track how many times Herb Jones is the primary defender on Jamal Murray. If Herb can neutralize Murray, the Nuggets' offense becomes much more predictable.
- Rotation Timing: Watch when Willie Green pulls his starters. If he waits too long in the first quarter, the "altitude wall" will hit the Pelicans harder in the second half.
The Pelicans are a team that plays "up" or "down" to their competition. Against the Nuggets, they almost always play "up." It’s a measuring stick game. For Denver, it’s a game of discipline. For the Pelicans, it’s a game of survival and explosiveness.
Next time these two meet, don't just check the box score. Watch the off-ball movement. Watch how Denver tries to manipulate the Pelicans' switching defense. And most importantly, watch how New Orleans responds when the crowd in Denver starts getting loud in the fourth quarter. That's where the real game is played.
Pro Tip: If you're attending a game at Ball Arena, drink twice as much water as you think you need. The altitude affects the fans just as much as the players. Trust me.
To stay ahead of the curve on this matchup, keep a close eye on the injury reports at least 48 hours in advance, as both teams have key players who frequently deal with "load management" or nagging soft-tissue injuries. Specifically, track the status of the Pelicans' backup center; their ability to give the starters a break against Jokic is the most underrated factor in this entire rivalry.