Nuggets Edge Pelicans in Competitive Matchup
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
Denver Nuggets 125, New Orleans Pelicans 118, 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 Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Denver Nuggets beat New Orleans Pelicans 125-118 at Smoothie King Center on November 19, 2025.
In a tightly contested game at the Smoothie King Center, the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118, extending their lead in the series to 3-0. This matchup showcased the stark contrast in the teams' recent performances, with the Nuggets coming into the game riding a ten-game winning streak, while the Pelicans struggled with a record of just 2-13 this season.
The Pelicans' recent form has been troubling, as they have won only one of their last ten games, recording a 1-9 mark. Their scoring average during this stretch was 115.9 points per game, while they allowed an average of 126.3 points, indicating significant defensive issues. In their last five games, the Pelicans managed to score an average of 124.2 points but conceded 128.4, further highlighting their struggles on both ends of the court. At home, they hold a record of 1-2 this season, while their away record stands at 0-7.
In contrast, the Nuggets have been in exceptional form, boasting an 11-3 record overall and winning their last ten games. They averaged 131.2 points per game during this winning streak, with an average of 120.7 points allowed. Their recent success has been bolstered by a perfect home record of 7-0 and a strong away record of 3-0, demonstrating their ability to perform regardless of location.
Historically, the Nuggets have dominated this matchup, leading the series 3-0 this season and holding a 6-1 advantage over the Pelicans in their last seven meetings. In their previous encounters this season, the Pelicans lost 122-116 at home on January 14, and 125-118 also at home earlier in the season. The Pelicans' inability to secure a win against the Nuggets has been a consistent theme, as they have struggled to find answers to Denver's offensive firepower.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced some challenges. The Pelicans had Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day, with Peavy resting and McGowens dealing with a toe issue. The Nuggets had Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile also listed as day-to-day, with Gordon suffering from a calf issue and Brazile's injury unspecified. The status of these players could have implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The betting market reflected the Nuggets' dominance, with odds favoring them significantly. The odds for the Nuggets to win were set at -250 by the provider, illustrating the expectation of their continued success against the Pelicans.
Throughout the game, viewers witnessed a competitive atmosphere, with key moments shaping the outcome. In the fourth quarter, Derik Queen made a crucial dunk with an assist from Micah Peavy, bringing the score to 120-114 in favor of the Nuggets. Jamal Murray then added to the Nuggets' lead with two successful free throws, extending their advantage to 122-114. Despite a late push from the Pelicans, including a two-point shot from Peavy, the Nuggets maintained control and secured the victory.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Pelicans as they continue to search for consistency, while the Nuggets solidified their status as one of the top teams in the league. The Pelicans will need to regroup and address their defensive issues if they hope to turn their season around.
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsDerik Queen30New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsZion Williamson5New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsDerik Queen9New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsPeyton Watson32Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic12Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsPeyton Watson12Denver Nuggets
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L2115.9 scored · 126.3 allowed per game1-2 at home
- L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
- L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
- W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
- L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
- L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
- L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
- L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29
- L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28
- L108-129at Detroit PistonsMar 26
- L116-121at New York KnicksMar 24
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 10-0Streak W10131.2 scored · 120.7 allowed per game3-0 away
- W128-118at San Antonio SpursApr 13
- W127-107vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 11
- W136-119vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 9
- W137-132vs Portland Trail BlazersApr 7
- W136-134vs San Antonio SpursApr 4
- W130-117at Utah JazzApr 2
- W116-93vs Golden State WarriorsMar 30
- W135-129vs Utah JazzMar 28
- W142-135vs Dallas MavericksMar 26
- W125-123at Phoenix SunsMar 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| 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 | Denver Nuggets | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 46-83 | 44-98 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 11-31 | 7-34 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 21 |
| Free throws | 22-27 | 23-31 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 27 |
| Assists | 35 | 25 |
| Steals | 8 | 12 |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 24 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 60 |
| Fouls | 26 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter99-84Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter100-84Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-84Zeke Nnaji makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-86Derik Queen makes 14-foot jumper (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter102-86Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-86Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-88Zion Williamson makes alley oop layup (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter104-88Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-88Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-91Derik Queen makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
- 4th Quarter105-93Jeremiah Fears makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter107-93Bruce Brown makes 1-foot layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter110-93Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 25-foot three point shot (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter110-95Jeremiah Fears makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter112-95Peyton Watson makes 9-foot jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter112-96Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-97Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-97Peyton Watson makes dunk (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter116-97Cameron Johnson makes dunk
- 4th Quarter116-98Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-99Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-101Derik Queen makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter116-103Herbert Jones makes dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter116-104Herbert Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-105Herbert Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-106Micah Peavy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-107Micah Peavy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-107Jonas Valanciunas makes 14-foot jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter118-109Derik Queen makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter118-111Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter120-111Jonas Valanciunas makes 15-foot jumper (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter120-112Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-114Derik Queen makes dunk (Micah Peavy assists)
- 4th Quarter121-114Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter122-114Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-114Cameron Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-116Micah Peavy makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter124-116Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-116Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-118Jeremiah Fears makes 1-foot layup (Trey Murphy III assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16484
- OfficialsJames Capers, Ray Acosta, Pat O'Connell
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