The Denver Nuggets (51-24) are looking to stretch their four-game winning streak as they host the New Orleans Pelicans (38-38) at Ball Arena on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The game is set to air at 10:00 PM ET on TNT, featuring two teams in the thick of the playoff race.
As the current leaders in the Western Conference, the Nuggets are on track to secure the top seed for the first time in franchise history. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are sitting in eighth place, battling for a play-in tournament berth. With the playoff picture still in flux, both teams will be looking to secure a victory in this pivotal matchup.
The Nuggets enter the game as 5.5-point favorites against the Pelicans, with an over/under of 226.5. Denver’s superstar center Nikola Jokic, currently listed as questionable due to right calf tightness, could be a game-time decision. If Jokic sits out, Zeke Nnaji or Thomas Bryant could step in as the starting center.
New Orleans will have to rely on their recent defensive resurgence to slow down the high-scoring Nuggets. The Pelicans have posted a 102.0 Defensive Rating in their past six games, the best in the NBA by more than 6.0 points. Alongside their stellar defense, the Pelicans have shot a league-leading 44.4% from 3-point range during the same period.
With playoff positioning on the line, both teams are expected to bring their A-game to Ball Arena. Keep an eye on this crucial showdown as the NBA regular season winds down and the playoff race intensifies.