Example: Denver Nuggets returns home in two matches against New Orleans Pelicans

It wasn’t exactly a successful road trip for Denver Nuggets. They dropped the first three games, but jumped back to win both matches this weekend. Now they return to Denver in two straight matches against New Orleans Pelicans. The pelicans are perhaps the most snake bit team in the league. They came into the season with high hopes after acquiring Dejointe Murray to join the trio from Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Murray injured his hand on opening evening, McCollum has treated a myriad of injuries, and Williamson & Ingram have continued their career long battle to get on the field at the same time. Murray returned to the lineup a few weeks ago, but unfortunately went down with a torn Achilles this weekend and is now out for the year. In short, nothing has gone right for the Pelicans this year, so they are already looking against the high season.

The essentials

WHO: Denver nuggets (30-19) vs new orleans pelicans (12-37)

When: 19:00 mst

Where: The can. Denver, co.

How to see/listen: KTVD MY20, Height+, NBA League Pass for those not in the Nuggets Market, Height Radio 82.5fm

Rival blog: The bird writes

Matchup

Damage report: Peyton Watson – Out (Knee), Vlatko Cancar – Out (Knee), Daron Holmes II – Out (Achilles), Russell Westbrook – Out (Hamstring); Jordan Hawkins-Dislatus (Disease), Daniel Theis Question (Thumbed), Brandon Ingram-Out (Ankle), Herbert Jones-Out (Ankle), Dejointe Murray-Out (Achilles), Keion Brooks JR-Out (G-Leaga) .

The three things

The case to look at: Replacing Peyton Watson

Nuggets will be without their best shot blocks for a long period of time. Watson suffered a knee injury in Denver’s match against Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and will now be evaluated in four weeks. Forward depth is a problem for nuggets. Aaron Gordon has dealt with lingering calf questions all year, Daron Holmes was lost for the season before it even got started, and Vlatko Cancar has been sidelined indefinitely with his own knee injury. Meanwhile, the rest of Denver’s forward has simply not been up to the task, whether it is Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson or Dario Saric. At least one of these guys will have to step up now. Michael Malone went with Nnaji in the Charlotte Hornets game on Saturday, and Zeke played well. He is probably the nugget’s best bet in replacing some of Watson’s shot blocking ability, so I will not be surprised if he continues to get minutes.

The case to remember: Zion is still zion

Look, if you want to call Zion a bust, then I’ll come where you come from. He was a total # 1 overall choice and invoiced as a generational talent that would dominate the league. Until this time he simply has not done it in his career. However, the reason is health, not ability. Williamson is still one of the most difficult players to protect in the league, and his skill set is still huge. He has been dealing with a hamstring question but is not listed on the injuries, so I assume he is a trip tonight. Aaron Gordon probably draws the inevitable task to protect him, but if I am a Denver, I seem to double himself every time he has the ball in his hands. Although he has only played in a handful of games against Nuggets since 2020, he has been absolutely dominant in these games. Nuggets can’t get caught and think they have an easy evening when there is a player of that caliber on the other team.

The case to bet: Zion Williamson over 23.5 points (-105)

Wet usually not the opposition in TTB, but as I said, Zion generally crushes nuggets. In the eight games he has played against Denver in his career, he scored over 23 points in five of them (and one where he was not 2020 when he played only 21 minutes). The pelicans also roll from the Murray damage. I expect Zion to make it a point to remind everyone that New Orleans still have a lot of teeth that scores wisely if he is on the floor.