{"id":35371,"date":"2026-01-13T20:26:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T00:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/nuggets-face-pelicans-tonight-in-quest-for-season-sweep\/"},"modified":"2026-01-13T20:27:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T00:27:08","slug":"69738-nuggets-face-pelicans-tonight-in-quest-for-season-sweep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/69738-nuggets-face-pelicans-tonight-in-quest-for-season-sweep\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuggets face Pelicans tonight in quest for season sweep"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bruised but dangerous, the Denver Nuggets<\/b> face a struggling New Orleans Pelicans<\/b> squad tonight seeking their third consecutive victory<\/b> of the season. The matchup tips off at 8 PM ET<\/b> from Smoothie King Center<\/b>, where the 26-13 Nuggets<\/b> could complete an impressive sweep over the 9-32 Pelicans<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Game Time:<\/b> Tuesday, January 13, 8 PM ET at Smoothie King Center<\/li>\n
  • Nuggets Status:<\/b> 26-13 record, 2-0 against Pelicans this season<\/li>\n
  • Jokic Absence:<\/b> MVP candidate out with left knee bone bruise<\/li>\n
  • Murray Update:<\/b> Guard available after ankle sprain and illness concerns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Can Denver Complete Historic Sweep Without Jokic?<\/h2>\n

    The Nuggets enter tonight<\/b> with momentum after a 108-104 victory<\/b> over the Milwaukee Bucks<\/b> on Sunday. Remarkably, Nikola Jokic<\/b> sat out that game due to a hyperextended left knee<\/b> that will keep him sidelined for at least another three weeks<\/b>. Despite losing their franchise centerpiece, Denver’s resilience<\/b> has been impressive, demonstrating depth throughout the roster.<\/p>\n

    Peyton Watson<\/b> and Jamal Murray<\/b> stepped up significantly with the All-Star pivot injured<\/b>. The Nuggets<\/b> have won two consecutive games<\/b> against the Pelicans<\/b> in their season series, establishing dominance in the matchup. New Orleans<\/b> fell to Orlando 128-118<\/b> on Sunday, extending their struggles to a 10-1 losing record<\/b> over their last 11 contests<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Pelicans Desperate for Home Court Breakthrough<\/h2>\n

    The New Orleans Pelicans<\/b> remain one of the NBA’s worst teams<\/b> at 9-32<\/b>, sitting 15th in the Western Conference<\/b>. They haven’t won at home since December 22<\/b>, a brutal five-game home losing streak<\/b> that has devastated their playoff hopes. Zion Williamson<\/b> and Trey Murphy III<\/b> represent the team’s offensive punch, combining for explosive performances recently.<\/p>\n

    The Pelicans<\/b> face significant injuries: DeJounte Murray<\/b> (right Achilles rupture) remains out for the season, while Herb Jones<\/b> (right ankle sprain) and Jose Alvarado<\/b> (left oblique strain) are unavailable. This leaves New Orleans<\/b> severely undermanned defensively against Denver’s arsenal<\/b> of perimeter shooters and playmakers heading into tonight’s crucial contest.<\/p>\n

    Matchup Analysis: Where Games Are Won and Lost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Factor<\/td>\nDenver Nuggets<\/td>\nNew Orleans Pelicans<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Record<\/td>\n26-13<\/td>\n9-32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Key Player<\/td>\nJamal Murray<\/td>\nZion Williamson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Recent Form<\/td>\nWon last 2 vs NOP<\/td>\n10-1 in last 11 games<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    The Nuggets<\/b> lead the season series 2-0<\/b> with combined offensive firepower that’s overwhelming squads. Denver’s<\/b> bench depth, particularly with Aaron Gordon<\/b> (probable) and Spencer Jones<\/b> (probable), gives them flexibility against New Orleans<\/b> scrappy defenders. The Pelicans<\/b> must maximize Williamson’s athleticism<\/b> in transition while containing Murray’s accuracy<\/b> from three-point range.<\/p>\n

    “The Nuggets will look to complete a three-game season sweep of the spiraling Pelicans despite being bruised and bandaged.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 NBA.com<\/b>, Official Game Coverage<\/p>\n

    Critical Injuries and Line-Up Implications<\/h2>\n

    Denver’s<\/b> injury situation remains fluid with Murray’s status<\/b> confirmed as available after earlier concerns. Jokic’s<\/b> extended absence fundamentally changes Denver’s offensive system, forcing head coach Michael Malone<\/b> to lean on perimeter creation. The Nuggets<\/b> have demonstrated resilience, proving they can win without their franchise centerpiece<\/b> in recent victories.<\/p>\n

    New Orleans<\/b> counters with limited options beyond their star forwards. Jordan Poole’s<\/b> addition gives them a scoring option, but without DeJounte Murray’s<\/b> playmaking, their offensive flow suffers significantly. The Pelicans<\/b> must execute disciplined defense while Williamson<\/b> provides rim pressure, a tall order against Denver’s<\/b> efficient three-point shooting.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Full Game Highlights<\/h3>\n