NBA · Final

Nuggets Edge Pelicans in Close Contest

122

116

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

Denver Nuggets 122, New Orleans Pelicans 116, 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 122-116 at Smoothie King Center on January 13, 2026.

Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested game, the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 122-116 at the Smoothie King Center. This matchup is notable as it marks the fourth consecutive victory for the Nuggets over the Pelicans this season, completing a clean sweep in their series with a 3-0 record against New Orleans. The Pelicans, struggling with a home record of 9-33, continue to face challenges as they attempt to turn their season around.

The Pelicans have had a difficult stretch, with a record of 1-9 in their last ten games, and they are currently on a one-game losing streak. They have averaged 112.9 points scored while allowing 121.2 points per game during this span. Their last five games have seen them win just once, scoring an average of 111.0 points while conceding 117.6 points. In their most recent game on January 11, they lost to the Orlando Magic with a score of 118-128, which further emphasizes their struggles.

On the other hand, the Nuggets have shown more resilience, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game winning streak after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 108-104 on January 12. The Nuggets have averaged 115.4 points scored and allowed 120.3 points during their last ten games. Their last five games have yielded a record of 3-2, with an average of 109.8 points scored and 115.0 points allowed.

When it comes to home versus away performance, the Pelicans have struggled significantly at home, holding a record of 0-5 in their last five home games. In contrast, the Nuggets have managed a home record of 2-1 and an away record of 3-4 in their last ten games, showcasing their ability to perform better on the road.

The injury report for both teams includes several key players. For the Pelicans, Micah Peavy is listed as day-to-day due to rest, while Bryce McGowens is also day-to-day with a toe issue. The Nuggets have Aaron Gordon listed as day-to-day with a calf injury, and Trevon Brazile is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. The status of these players could impact their respective teams' performances moving forward.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Nuggets favored by a spread of 2.5 points, with a total set at 234.5. The money line for the Pelicans was +114, while the Nuggets were at -135. This reflects the expectation of a competitive game, given the close odds.

The game conditions were typical for a January matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Viewers could watch for the impact of key plays, such as Trey Murphy III's driving layup that tied the game at 114 in the fourth quarter, followed by crucial shots from Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon that helped secure the Nuggets' victory. The final moments showcased the intensity typical of NBA matchups, with free throws from Jamal Murray sealing the win for Denver.

Overall, this game highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Pelicans as they seek to improve their season, while the Nuggets continue to build on their success against New Orleans. With the series now concluded at 3-0 in favor of Denver, the Pelicans will need to regroup and address their issues as they move forward in the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	DEN -2.5	234.5 o -110 / u -110	Denver Nuggets -135 · New Orleans Pelicans +114

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

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

PointsTrey Murphy III31New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsDerik Queen5New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen13New Orleans Pelicans
PointsJamal Murray35Denver Nuggets
AssistsJamal Murray9Denver Nuggets
ReboundsPeyton Watson7Denver Nuggets

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 1-9Streak L1112.9 scored · 121.2 allowed per game0-5 at home

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
L108-115vs Phoenix SunsDec 27

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 5-5Streak W1115.4 scored · 120.3 allowed per game3-4 away

W108-104vs Milwaukee BucksJan 12
L87-110vs Atlanta HawksJan 10
W114-110at Boston CelticsJan 8
W125-124at Philadelphia 76ersJan 6
L115-127at Brooklyn NetsJan 4
L108-113at Cleveland CavaliersJan 3
W106-103at Toronto RaptorsJan 1
L123-147at Miami HeatDec 30
L126-127at Orlando MagicDec 28
W142-138vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 26

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	41-84	39-86
Field goal %	49	45
Three-pointers	14-35	11-29
Three-point %	40	38
Free throws	26-32	27-31
Free throw %	81	87
Rebounds	32	51
Offensive rebounds	5	16
Defensive rebounds	27	35
Assists	24	21
Steals	8	6
Blocks	3	4
Turnovers	7	15
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	1
Technical fouls, total	0	1
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	4	16
Fast-break points	9	8
Points in the paint	38	56
Fouls	22	20
Largest lead	6	11
Lead changes	16	16
Time in front	24	65

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter81-86Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter82-86Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter83-86Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter83-89Jordan Poole makes 30-foot three pointer (Jordan Hawkins assists)
3rd Quarter85-89Jamal Murray makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Peyton Watson assists)
3rd Quarter85-92Jordan Poole makes 28-foot three point jumper (Karlo Matkovic assists)
3rd Quarter88-92Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Peyton Watson assists)
3rd Quarter89-92Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter92-92Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 26-foot three pointer
4th Quarter93-92Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter94-92Tim Hardaway Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter94-94Yves Missi makes 2-foot two point shot (Jordan Poole assists)
4th Quarter94-97Jordan Poole makes 28-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter94-99Zion Williamson makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter94-100Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter97-100Jalen Pickett makes 25-foot three point jumper (Peyton Watson assists)
4th Quarter99-100Tim Hardaway Jr. makes running layup (Bruce Brown assists)
4th Quarter101-100Jalen Pickett makes driving layup (Bruce Brown assists)
4th Quarter101-101Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter101-102Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter101-103Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter104-103Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three pointer
4th Quarter104-105Derik Queen makes two point shot
4th Quarter105-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter106-105Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-106Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter106-107Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter106-110Trey Murphy III makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter109-110Jamal Murray makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter112-110Jalen Pickett makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
4th Quarter112-112Saddiq Bey makes 1-foot running dunk (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter114-112Jamal Murray makes 15-foot floating jump shot
4th Quarter114-114Trey Murphy III makes driving layup (Derik Queen assists)
4th Quarter116-114Peyton Watson makes 14-foot two point shot (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter118-114Aaron Gordon makes dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter119-114Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter120-114Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter120-116Trey Murphy III makes driving layup
4th Quarter121-116Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter122-116Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2