The Denver Nuggets (10-3) head into tonight’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans (2-12) at 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Denver enters as one of the league’s early-season powerhouses, driven once again by Nikola Jokic’s brilliance. Jokic is averaging a triple-double — 29.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists — while functioning as a 6’11”, 284-pound do-everything engine at an MVP level.
But Denver’s dominance extends beyond Jokic. Jamal Murray (23.1 PPG) and Aaron Gordon (20.3 PPG) remain a dynamic scoring trio that keeps the Nuggets’ offense humming. Denver averages 124.6 points per game, second in the NBA, while allowing 112.7.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, sit on the opposite end of nearly every metric. They score just 108.3 points per game and allow 121.9, and they enter tonight having dropped six straight and 12 of their first 14.
Zion Williamson is a game-time decision and could return for the first time since November 2, but his presence doesn’t quite make them more competitive.
In his absence, Trey Murphy II (19.7 PPG) has carried much of the scoring load, and rookie Derik Queen has shown promise — including a 26-point outing against Portland — but remains in development.
It goes without saying, this matchup heavily favors Denver.
Prediction
Denver’s firepower, efficiency on both ends, and composure should overwhelm a Pelicans team that struggles to defend, score, and close games.
Prediction: Nuggets 135, Pelicans 109
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets
Aaron Gordon – GTD
Julian Strawther – OUT
Christian Braun – OUT
New Orleans Pelicans
Karlo Matkovic – OUT
Saddiq Bey – GTD
Zion Williamson – GTD
Jordan Poole – OUT
Dejounte Murray – OUT
How to Watch Nuggets vs. Pelicans
Tip-off for tonight’s Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans game is set for 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central / 6:00 PM Mountain at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
The game airs live on Altitude Sports and the Gulf Coast Sports Network.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.
Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.
Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.
Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central / 6:00 PM Mountain
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: Altitude Sports, Gulf Coast Sports Network
Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)