Pelicans Edge Nets in Close Contest
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans 116, Brooklyn Nets 113, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Brooklyn Nets vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans beat Brooklyn Nets 116-113 at Smoothie King Center on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Brooklyn Nets vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -112 (about 53% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game at the Smoothie King Center, the New Orleans Pelicans narrowly defeated the Brooklyn Nets with a final score of 116 to 113. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the third meeting between these two teams this season, with the Pelicans having lost the previous two encounters. The victory allowed New Orleans to tie the series at 1-1, providing a much-needed boost to their morale given their challenging season thus far.
The Pelicans entered this game with a home record of 10-33 and had struggled significantly in their recent performances, posting a record of 1-9 over their last ten games. They were on a two-game losing streak, with their most recent loss coming against the Denver Nuggets, where they fell 116-122. Over this stretch, New Orleans averaged 113.7 points scored per game while allowing 121.9 points, indicating defensive struggles that have plagued the team.
On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets held an away record of 11-27. They had also been struggling, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and currently in a four-game losing streak. Their most recent defeat was against the Dallas Mavericks, where they lost 105-113. The Nets averaged 107.7 points scored per game during this stretch, while allowing 112.8 points, reflecting a similar trend of defensive issues.
Historically, the Pelicans have struggled against the Nets, having lost all three previous meetings this season. Their last encounter took place on December 6, 2025, where the Pelicans lost 101-119. The previous two games also saw close scores, with the Pelicans losing 114-119 on April 8, 2025, and 105-107 on November 12, 2024. This latest victory not only broke their losing streak against the Nets but also provided a glimpse of hope for the Pelicans as they look to improve their standing in the league.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans had two players listed as day-to-day: Micah Peavy, who was resting, and Bryce McGowens, who had a toe issue. The Nets also had a player in a similar situation, with Nolan Traore listed as day-to-day due to a knee problem. The status of these players could have influenced the dynamics of the game, but both teams managed to compete fiercely despite these challenges.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Pelicans were favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 232.5. The odds for both teams were relatively close, with the Pelicans at -112.0 for the money line and the Nets at -108.0. This reflected the competitive nature of the matchup and the uncertainty surrounding both teams' recent forms.
As the game unfolded, it was evident that both teams were eager to secure a win. The fourth quarter was particularly thrilling, with several key scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Egor Demin hit a crucial 27-foot three-point jumper, giving the Nets a brief lead at 110-107. However, the Pelicans responded quickly with a three-pointer from Saddiq Bey, leveling the score at 110-110. Bey continued to make an impact, scoring a driving dunk and then converting free throws to extend the Pelicans' lead to 116-113.
The final moments of the game showcased the intensity and competitiveness of both teams, with the Nets attempting to close the gap but ultimately falling short. The Pelicans' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities and make key shots in crunch time proved decisive in securing the victory.
Overall, this game highlighted the resilience of the Pelicans as they fought through a challenging season and managed to secure a hard-fought win against a familiar opponent. The close score and dramatic finish made this matchup a compelling watch for basketball fans, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the NBA.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -1.5 | 232.5 o -110 / u -110 | Brooklyn Nets -108 · New Orleans Pelicans -112 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Nolan TraoreDay-To-DayKneeBrooklyn Nets
Leaders
- PointsTrey Murphy III34New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsTrey Murphy III5New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsYves Missi12New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsMichael Porter Jr.20Brooklyn Nets
- AssistsNoah Clowney6Brooklyn Nets
- ReboundsDay'Ron Sharpe9Brooklyn Nets
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L2113.7 scored · 121.9 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L116-122vs Denver NuggetsJan 14
- L118-128at Orlando MagicJan 11
- W128-107at Washington WizardsJan 10
- L100-117at Atlanta HawksJan 8
- L103-111vs Los Angeles LakersJan 7
- L106-125at Miami HeatJan 4
- L109-122vs Portland Trail BlazersJan 3
- L118-134at Chicago BullsJan 1
- L125-130vs New York KnicksDec 30
- L114-123vs Phoenix SunsDec 28
Brooklyn Nets
Last 10: 3-7Streak L4107.7 scored · 112.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- L105-113at Dallas MavericksJan 13
- L98-103at Memphis GrizzliesJan 11
- L105-121vs LA ClippersJan 10
- L103-104vs Orlando MagicJan 8
- W127-115vs Denver NuggetsJan 4
- L99-119at Washington WizardsJan 3
- L96-120vs Houston RocketsJan 1
- L107-120vs Golden State WarriorsDec 30
- W123-107at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 28
- W114-106at Philadelphia 76ersDec 24
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Brooklyn Nets | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 45-95 | 43-97 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 16-43 | 11-33 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 33 |
| Free throws | 7-12 | 19-25 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 53 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 35 |
| Assists | 24 | 24 |
| Steals | 3 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 64 |
| Fouls | 21 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 78 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter81-80Day'Ron Sharpe makes dunk (Cam Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-81Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-82Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-83Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-84Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-84Cam Thomas makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Nolan Traore assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-84Cam Thomas makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter87-86Karlo Matkovic makes 2-foot layup (Derik Queen assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-87Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter89-87Day'Ron Sharpe makes 1-foot dunk (Terance Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter92-87Terance Mann makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cam Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter94-87Cam Thomas makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter94-89Zion Williamson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter97-89Danny Wolf makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cam Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter97-90Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-91Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-92Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-92Day'Ron Sharpe makes 1-foot running dunk (Terance Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter99-93Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-94Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-96Trey Murphy III makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter101-96Egor Demin makes driving layup (Noah Clowney assists)
- 4th Quarter101-98Trey Murphy III makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-100Karlo Matkovic makes running dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter101-103Trey Murphy III makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter101-105Yves Missi makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter103-105Drake Powell makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-105Michael Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-105Michael Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-105Drake Powell makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter107-105Drake Powell makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter107-107Trey Murphy III makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-107Egor Demin makes 27-foot three point jumper (Noah Clowney assists)
- 4th Quarter110-110Saddiq Bey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Yves Missi assists)
- 4th Quarter110-112Saddiq Bey makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter110-113Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-114Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-114Drake Powell makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter113-115Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-116Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Brooklyn Nets.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16201
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Dedric Taylor, Suyash Mehta
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