Pelicans Must Make A Strong Statement Against Nuggets
New Orleans, LA - Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans (5-6) must make a statement against the Denver Nuggets (9-2) to keep a winning streak going during their six-game homestand. Nikola Jokić and Denver have the best record in the Western Conference and recently defeated New Orleans on Nov. 6. Friday's rematch will be the Pelicans and Nuggets third NBA In-Season Tournament game, a must-win for the home team.
New Orleans' injured key players are getting healthy. Jose Alvarado's game status has been upgraded to "doubtful" as he returned to practice. Alvarado has not played since February after suffering a lower leg injury. In his previous game against the Nuggets, Alvarado scored a career-high 38 points in the Pelicans' victory. Jose will test the injury in a pregame workout and should be close to returning in the upcoming games.
Nov 6, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) passes the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) guards in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Denver is dealing with injuries as well. Their second-leading scorer, Jamal Murray, remains out with a hamstring injury. Reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokić has more than picked up the slack in his absence. Jokić leads the team in points (30), rebounds (13.9), and assists (8.4) on the season. In the Nov. 6 matchup versus New Orleans, 'The Joker' posted a triple-double with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. He also has led the Nuggets in points and assists in every game except one this season.
New Orleans will have their work cut out for itself, stopping the Nuggets' efficient offense. Denver is No. 1 in the league in shooting percentage and No. 3 in assists. The Nuggets raked up 37 assists in the last meeting with New Orleans and won the points in the paint battle 64-46. Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas must better control the paint against this Nuggets team.
Nov 6, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Matt Ryan (37) attempts a shot under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
With CJ McCollum still out recovering from a lung injury, the Pelicans will look to rookie Jordan Hawkins for outside scoring. Hawkins scored a career-high 31 points in the last meeting versus the Nuggets. In Tuesday night's victory versus the Mavs, Hawkins scored 25 points, making him only the second rookie this season to have at least two games with 25 or more points. The other is Victor Wembanyama.
The Pelicans are still near the bottom of the league in opponent offensive rebounding (12.8), which plagued them in the last matchup. Coach Willie Green has recently emphasized attention to detail with his team. The outcome against the defending champs will be a good barometer for New Orleans in the crowded Western Conference.
