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Nuggets Finding Their Groove as Pelicans Struggle with Injuries

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans

As the 2024 NBA season progresses, the Denver Nuggets, fresh off a tough loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, face a struggling New Orleans Pelicans team that is deep in injury woes. This Western Conference clash takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, where the Nuggets look to bounce back and continue their playoff push while the Pelicans seek any semblance of stability in a tumultuous season. Here’s a breakdown of both teams, their current form, and what to expect from this matchup.

Denver Nuggets: Finding Their Groove Amidst Adversity

The Denver Nuggets have shaken off a slow start to the season and are beginning to find their rhythm. With a 14-11 record heading into this game, they had won three straight before their narrow 115-113 loss to the Trail Blazers on Thursday night. Despite trailing by 17 points heading into the fourth quarter, the Nuggets mounted a valiant comeback, taking a brief two-point lead with under a minute remaining. However, a buzzer-beating shot from Portland stole the victory.

Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, delivered another stellar performance, finishing with 34 points and 8 assists. Jamal Murray added a double-double with 24 points and 10 assists, while Russell Westbrook provided a spark off the bench, scoring 19 points. While the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency remains a strength, they rank fourth in the NBA in scoring and fifth in offensive efficiency, their defense has been a cause for concern. Denver currently ranks 24th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 116.3 points per game.

The Nuggets’ offense continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic, ranking third in field goal percentage and fourth in three-point shooting. They are highly efficient with the ball, averaging just 9.1 turnovers per game. However, their defense lags behind—Denver is 18th in field goal defense and 13th in defending the three-point shot. The Nuggets are also inconsistent in forcing turnovers, ranking 21st in the NBA. Despite these issues, their rebounding has been a bright spot, ranking 6th in the league with 45.7 rebounds per game.

 

 

New Orleans Pelicans: Injuries and Struggles Plague the Season

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2024 season with high hopes, aiming to build around the dynamic duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. However, injuries have once again derailed their season, and the Pelicans are in freefall mode with a 5-23 record. With injuries to key players like Williamson, Ingram, and CJ McCollum, New Orleans has struggled to find any sustained success. The Pelicans come into this game on a five-game losing streak, including a 133-113 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night.

Despite the loss, Trey Murphy III had a standout performance with 28 points, and Herb Jones contributed 20, but the team’s offensive inefficiency continues to plague them. New Orleans ranks last in the NBA in scoring, averaging just 106.8 points per game. Their shooting numbers are equally concerning, as they sit 29th in field goal percentage and 26th in three-point shooting. The Pelicans also rank dead last in three-point field goals made per game, highlighting their struggle to stretch the floor.

Defensively, the Pelicans have been just as poor. They rank 26th in scoring defense, allowing 118.5 points per game. Additionally, New Orleans ranks 29th in field goal defense and 25th in defending the three-point line. While they have the potential to disrupt offenses—ranking 17th in forced turnovers per game—overall, their defensive efficiency is among the worst in the league, sitting at 28th. The Pelicans also struggle on the boards, ranking 21st in total rebounds per game.

Conclusion

As the season nears the halfway mark, the Denver Nuggets are beginning to round into form and remain a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. They will look to continue their strong play against a New Orleans team that is struggling mightily with injuries and a lack of cohesion. If the Nuggets can avoid defensive lapses and continue to execute on offense, they should have no trouble securing another win in New Orleans.

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