Nuggets Edge Pelicans in Overtime Thriller
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Ball Arena
Denver Nuggets 141, New Orleans Pelicans 135, 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 New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets beat New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 at Ball Arena on October 24, 2026.
Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling overtime contest, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 141-135 at Ball Arena. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second game of the season for both teams, with the Nuggets now leading the series 2-0 against the Pelicans in the current season and 3-0 in their last three meetings. The Nuggets entered the game with a home record of 1-1, while the Pelicans struggled with an away record of 0-3.
The Nuggets have been performing well overall, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, despite a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They averaged 127.1 points scored and allowed 118.0 points during this stretch. Their home record remains impressive at 7-0, indicating their strength at Ball Arena. In contrast, the Pelicans have faced significant challenges, recording just one win in their last ten games, with a record of 1-9. They have averaged 117.4 points scored and allowed 125.6 points, further highlighting their struggles, especially on the road where they have lost all six of their away games.
In terms of recent form, the Nuggets had a strong showing in their last five games, with a record of 4-1 and scoring an average of 122.4 points per game. The Pelicans, however, have lost four consecutive games, with their last five games resulting in a record of 1-4 and an average of 127.8 points scored, but they have allowed 131.2 points during that span.
Injury concerns were evident for both teams heading into the game. The Nuggets were without Alpha Diallo, Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones, and Julian Strawther, all of whom were ruled out due to various injuries. The Pelicans also faced a setback with Yves Missi out due to a knee injury. These absences undoubtedly impacted the strategies and performances of both teams.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Nuggets favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 239.5. The odds reflected the Nuggets' strong home performance and the Pelicans' struggles on the road. The Nuggets were listed at -485 for the money line, while the Pelicans were at 370.
The game itself was played under competitive conditions, with both teams displaying resilience. The Nuggets' Nikola Jokic was instrumental in the victory, making crucial plays in the overtime period, including a pivotal two-point shot and key free throws that helped secure the win. The Pelicans fought hard, with Dejounte Murray contributing significantly, but ultimately fell short in the extra period.
Overall, this matchup showcased the Nuggets' ability to perform under pressure and highlighted the Pelicans' ongoing struggles to find their footing early in the season. The final score of 141-135 in favor of the Nuggets reflects a closely contested game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
What we said beforehand
The Denver Nuggets will face the New Orleans Pelicans at Ball Arena on October 25, 2026, in a matchup that highlights two teams looking to improve their early-season records. Both teams come into this game with losses in their most recent outings, with the Nuggets holding a record of 0-1 and the Pelicans at 0-2. The Nuggets are currently favored by 11.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 239.5.
In their last five games, the Nuggets have won two and lost three, most recently falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 96-84. Their scoring average over these games has been 116.0 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 115.6 points. Notably, Aaron Gordon leads the Nuggets in scoring with an average of 20.0 points, while Nikola Jokic contributes significantly with 5.0 assists per game and Trevon Brazile leads in rebounding at 12.0 per game.
On the other hand, the Pelicans have struggled, losing four of their last five games. They recently lost to the Utah Jazz, 120-119, and their scoring average in this stretch has been 113.0 points per game, with an average of 120.0 points allowed. Zion Williamson is the standout performer for New Orleans, averaging 22.5 points, while Dejounte Murray provides 6.5 assists per game and Derik Queen leads in rebounds with 8.5.
When looking at home versus away performance, the Nuggets have historically been strong at home, boasting a record of 7-0 in their last ten home games, with an average of 127.1 points scored and 118.0 points allowed. In contrast, the Pelicans have struggled on the road, holding a dismal away record of 0-6 in their last ten games, averaging just 117.4 points scored while allowing 125.6 points.
In terms of head-to-head meetings, the Nuggets have won all three encounters this season against the Pelicans, with scores of 122-88, 125-118, and 122-116. This trend suggests a favorable matchup for the Nuggets, especially playing at home.
Injury concerns could also play a significant role in this game. The Nuggets will be without Alpha Diallo, Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones, and Julian Strawther, all of whom are out due to various injuries. The Pelicans will miss Yves Missi, who is also sidelined with a knee injury. The absence of these players could impact team dynamics and performance.
As the game approaches, the conditions at Ball Arena will be closely monitored, although specific details about the weather or arena conditions were not provided in the block. Fans should keep an eye on how the Nuggets respond after their recent loss and how the Pelicans aim to bounce back from their own struggles. With both teams eager for a win, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -11.5 | 239.5 o -110 / u -110 | New Orleans Pelicans +370 · Denver Nuggets -485 |
Injury report
- Alpha DialloOutWristDenver Nuggets
- Cameron JohnsonOutAnkleDenver Nuggets
- Spencer JonesOutHamstringDenver Nuggets
- Julian StrawtherOutKneeDenver Nuggets
- Yves MissiOutKneeNew Orleans Pelicans
Leaders
- PointsJamal Murray42Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic10Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic15Denver Nuggets
- PointsTrey Murphy III26New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJordan Poole7New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsDeAndre Jordan9New Orleans Pelicans
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 9-1Streak L1127.1 scored · 118 allowed per game7-0 at home
- 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
- W135-129vs Utah JazzMar 28
- W142-135vs Dallas MavericksMar 26
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L4117.4 scored · 125.6 allowed per game0-6 away
- 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
- L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | - | 0 | W3 | 1.000 | 3 |
| Memphis | 0.5 | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 2 | W1 | .333 | 1 |
| Dallas | 2 | 2 | L1 | .333 | 1 |
| New Orleans | 2.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
| Minnesota | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Portland | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Utah | 1 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Denver | 1.5 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | New Orleans Pelicans | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 50-99 | 48-99 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 11-38 | 15-47 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 32 |
| Free throws | 24-30 | 30-39 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 50 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 37 |
| Assists | 33 | 26 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 23 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 70 | 56 |
| Fouls | 29 | 28 |
| Largest lead | 23 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 83 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter115-102Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter118-102Trey Murphy III makes 27-foot running jump shot (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter118-105Jamal Murray makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter118-107Christian Braun makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter118-108DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-109DeMar DeRozan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-111Trevon Brazile makes 1-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter119-111Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-113Jamal Murray makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter119-114Christian Braun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-114DeAndre Jordan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-114DeAndre Jordan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-116Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter122-116DeAndre Jordan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-116Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-116Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-119Nikola Jokic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter126-119Zion Williamson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter126-122Jamal Murray makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter126-124Aaron Gordon makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter126-125Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter126-126Jamal Murray makes free throw 3 of 3
- OT126-127Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT126-128Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT127-128Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT128-128Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT128-130Nikola Jokic makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- OT129-130Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT129-133Trevon Brazile makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- OT129-134Trevon Brazile makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT131-134Derik Queen makes driving layup
- OT132-134Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT132-136Nikola Jokic makes two point shot
- OT133-136Dejounte Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT134-136Dejounte Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT134-137Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT134-138Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT135-138Dejounte Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT135-139Trevon Brazile makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT135-141Trevon Brazile makes two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- Attendance19905
- OfficialsScott Foster, John Butler, Brian Forte, Nate Cearley
Elsewhere
- Durant scores 22, Sheppard hits five 3-pointers to lead Rockets to a win in Atlanta's home opener
- Young scores 25 points as the Wizards hold off Wilson and the Bulls for a 124-120 win
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks: Game Highlights
- Wembanyama, Harper lead Spurs past short-handed Mavericks 122-106 for their first victory
- Cavaliers survive a late Nets rally to win home opener 125-121
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game Highlights
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