New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets Predictions

Denver's price leaves little room for error

SPF makes Denver an 11.5-point home favorite with a -485 moneyline. The Journal / Associated Press reports that New Orleans enters at 0-2 and Denver at 0-1, but those records alone don't justify laying a double-digit spread or such a steep moneyline price.

Injury uncertainty supports a pass

NBA Official lists Cameron Johnson, Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther as out for Denver, while Alpha Diallo is questionable with a right wrist sprain. Those absences make Denver -11.5 less attractive even if the Nuggets are still the more likely winner.

New Orleans hadn't submitted its injury report by the NBA's 4:15 a.m. ET update. The Washington Post / Associated Press reported that center Yves Missi injured his left knee Friday at Utah and would be re-evaluated Saturday. With the Pelicans playing on consecutive days and their availability unresolved, there isn't a sound basis for backing New Orleans +11.5 either.

SPF's total is 238.5, with the over at -108 and the under at -112. The incomplete availability information affects both teams' expected rotations, so the total also warrants a pass.