NBA · Final

Nuggets Defeat Pelicans 104-91 in NBA Clash

104

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

Denver Nuggets 104, New Orleans Pelicans 91, 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 104-91 at Smoothie King Center on October 28, 2026.

Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.

The Denver Nuggets secured a decisive 104-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, extending their lead in the series to 3-0. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as the Nuggets have now bested the Pelicans in all four meetings this season, showcasing their dominance in the head-to-head record.

The Pelicans entered the game struggling, with a home record of 0-4 and an overall record of 1-9 in their last ten games. Their recent form has been concerning, as they have lost their last five games, averaging 120.3 points scored while allowing 127.8 points. In contrast, the Nuggets have performed well on the road, holding a 2-2 away record and an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games, despite a recent loss to the Golden State Warriors. Denver averaged 124.9 points scored and 118.5 points allowed during that stretch, indicating a strong offensive presence.

In terms of home versus away performance, the Pelicans have struggled significantly at home, managing just one win in four attempts, while the Nuggets have been more successful with a 6-1 home record and a 2-1 away record. This disparity in performance likely contributed to the outcome of the game, as the Nuggets capitalized on their experience and recent form.

The injury situation also played a role in the matchup. The Pelicans were without Yves Missi, who is out with a knee injury, and Jordan Poole, who was listed as day-to-day with an ankle issue. For the Nuggets, Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones, Alpha Diallo, and Julian Strawther were all ruled out due to various injuries, which could have impacted their depth but did not hinder their performance on the court.

The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Nuggets favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 241.5. The odds reflected the Nuggets' strong form coming into the game, as they were seen as the likely victors. The Pelicans' struggles were evident in the betting lines, which indicated a lack of confidence in their ability to secure a win.

The game conditions were typical for an indoor basketball matchup, with no external weather factors influencing the play. The Pelicans' home crowd, while supportive, could not inspire the team to overcome their recent struggles.

As the game unfolded, the Nuggets took control, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they pulled away decisively. Key plays included a 22-foot three-point jumper by Christian Braun, which pushed the score to 104-89, effectively sealing the game for Denver. The Pelicans managed to score in the final moments, but it was too little, too late, as they failed to mount a significant comeback.

Overall, the Nuggets' victory not only solidified their position in the series but also highlighted the Pelicans' ongoing challenges this season. The disparity in recent form, combined with the injury issues and the Nuggets' strong performance, made for a compelling matchup that ultimately favored the visiting team.

What we said beforehand

The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center on October 29, 2026, in a matchup that holds significant intrigue given the teams' recent performances and their previous encounter just days prior. The Nuggets currently lead the series 1-0 after defeating the Pelicans 141-135 in overtime on October 25, 2026. This game will be a chance for the Pelicans to seek redemption on their home court after a tough loss.

The Pelicans come into this game with a home record of 0-3 and are currently on a five-game losing streak, having lost their last match against the Nuggets as well as games against the Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, and others. Their scoring average in their last five games is 123.6 points, while they have allowed an average of 132.0 points per game. In contrast, the Nuggets have an away record of 1-2, having won one of their last five games. Denver's scoring average during this stretch is 118.8 points, with an average of 118.0 points allowed.

The Pelicans' recent form has been challenging, with their last ten games yielding a record of 1-9. They have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 127.8 points while scoring 120.3 points per game at home. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have performed better overall with a record of 8-2 in their last ten games, although they are coming off a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

In terms of injuries, the Pelicans will be without Yves Missi due to a knee issue. The Nuggets have several players out, including Cameron Johnson (ankle), Spencer Jones (hamstring), Alpha Diallo (personal), and Julian Strawther (knee). This could impact the depth and strategy for both teams as they look to secure a win.

The betting market reflects the competitive nature of this matchup, with DraftKings listing the Nuggets as 4.5-point favorites. The total points for the game is set at 240.5, with odds of -112 for the over and -108 for the under. This indicates expectations for a high-scoring affair, consistent with both teams' recent scoring trends.

As the game approaches, viewers should watch for the performance of key players. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson leads the team with an average of 20.7 points per game, while Dejounte Murray contributes 6.3 assists. The Nuggets will look to Nikola Jokic, who averages 22.3 points and 8.7 assists, to guide them in this matchup. The outcome of this game could hinge on the ability of both teams to adapt their strategies in light of their recent performances and the absence of key players.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	DEN -4.5	241.5 o -105 / u -115	Denver Nuggets -180 · New Orleans Pelicans +150

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

Injury report

Jordan PooleDay-To-DayAnkleNew Orleans Pelicans
Yves MissiOutKneeNew Orleans Pelicans
Cameron JohnsonOutAnkleDenver Nuggets
Spencer JonesOutHamstringDenver Nuggets
Alpha DialloOutPersonalDenver Nuggets
Julian StrawtherOutKneeDenver Nuggets

Leaders

PointsZion Williamson25New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsDejounte Murray5New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen12New Orleans Pelicans
PointsJamal Murray23Denver Nuggets
AssistsNikola Jokic10Denver Nuggets
ReboundsNikola Jokic13Denver Nuggets

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 1-9Streak L5120.3 scored · 127.8 allowed per game1-3 at home

L135-141at Denver NuggetsOct 25
L119-120at Utah JazzOct 24
L120-123vs Indiana PacersOct 22
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

Denver Nuggets

Last 10: 8-2Streak L1124.9 scored · 118.5 allowed per game2-1 away

L114-134vs Golden State WarriorsOct 27
W141-135vs New Orleans PelicansOct 25
L84-96at Oklahoma City ThunderOct 23
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

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Oklahoma City	-	0	W4	1.000	4
Portland	0.5	0	W3	1.000	3
Minnesota	1	1	L1	.750	3
Denver	2	2	W1	.500	2
Utah	3	3	L2	.250	1
Houston	-	0	W5	1.000	5
Memphis	0.5	0	W4	1.000	4
San Antonio	2.5	2	W2	.500	2
Dallas	2.5	2	W1	.500	2
New Orleans	4.5	4	L4	.000	0

Box score

Stat	Denver Nuggets	New Orleans Pelicans
Field goals	37-80	34-82
Field goal %	46	41
Three-pointers	12-31	7-30
Three-point %	39	23
Free throws	18-19	16-22
Free throw %	95	73
Rebounds	42	41
Offensive rebounds	5	8
Defensive rebounds	37	33
Assists	30	20
Steals	11	14
Blocks	5	3
Turnovers	17	19
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	24	18
Fast-break points	15	19
Points in the paint	42	48
Fouls	19	21
Largest lead	22	0
Lead changes	0	0
Time in front	99	0

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter67-56Trey Murphy III makes 26-foot three pointer (Saddiq Bey assists)
3rd Quarter69-56Nikola Jokic makes layup (Aaron Gordon assists)
3rd Quarter70-56Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 1
3rd Quarter70-58Dejounte Murray makes tip shot
3rd Quarter72-58Nikola Jokic makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
3rd Quarter73-58Aaron Gordon makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter75-58Trevon Brazile makes running dunk (Aaron Gordon assists)
3rd Quarter75-60Derik Queen makes driving layup
3rd Quarter75-62Dejounte Murray makes running layup (Zion Williamson assists)
3rd Quarter77-62Jamal Murray makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
3rd Quarter77-63Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter77-64Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter79-64Nikola Jokic makes layup (DeMar DeRozan assists)
3rd Quarter79-67Jeremiah Fears makes 29-foot three point jumper (Bennedict Mathurin assists)
3rd Quarter79-69Jeremiah Fears makes two point shot
3rd Quarter79-71Derik Queen makes driving layup (Bennedict Mathurin assists)
3rd Quarter79-73Jeremiah Fears makes tip shot
4th Quarter80-73DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter81-73DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter81-74Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter81-76Bennedict Mathurin makes driving dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter83-76DeMar DeRozan makes driving layup
4th Quarter83-78Herbert Jones makes alley oop dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
4th Quarter85-78Jamal Murray makes driving layup
4th Quarter85-79Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter85-80Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter88-80Aaron Gordon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christian Braun assists)
4th Quarter88-83Zion Williamson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
4th Quarter91-83Jamal Murray makes 22-foot three point jumper (Christian Braun assists)
4th Quarter93-83Jamal Murray makes two point shot (DeMar DeRozan assists)
4th Quarter93-85Zion Williamson makes tip shot
4th Quarter96-85Christian Braun makes 24-foot three point jumper (DeMar DeRozan assists)
4th Quarter96-87Derik Queen makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter99-87Christian Braun makes 22-foot three point jumper (DeMar DeRozan assists)
4th Quarter99-88Dejounte Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter99-89Dejounte Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter100-89DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter101-89DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter104-89Christian Braun makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
4th Quarter104-91Dejounte Murray makes 1-foot running dunk (Derik Queen assists)