The Denver Nuggets sit atop the Western Conference at the moment, but they may have to play without their superstar center tonight. The latest Nikola Jokic injury update reveals he is questionable with hamstring soreness after missing Denver’s last two games. They’ll face a New Orleans Pelicans team that’s missing both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Still, bettors must seriously consider whether Nikola Jokic is playing tonight before placing their wagers.
The Nuggets and Pelicans are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET. That means NBA DFS may not get an update until close to lock. Those looking for an edge should heed this advice or check out the OddsShopper tools for sharp NBA bets. Bettors can also try out a one-week free trial of NBA Bet Pro to access cutting-edge player projections that will update once the Nuggets announce Jokic’s official status.
The legal gambling age is 21+ in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Nikola Jokic Injury Update – NBA Betting Impact
Jokic went off for a 31-point, 11-rebound and 13-assist triple-double against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Wednesday before landing on Denver’s injury report. The Nuggets have listed him as questionable three times since then, first on Friday and again on Sunday. He ended up missing both contests and remains questionable for tonight’s action.
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The Nuggets should benefit from drawing a shorthanded opponent, but they’ll have to face them on the road. While the New Orleans Pelicans will remain without their top two players, they have shown some pluck without them. The Pelicans were 8-4 without Williamson until their current four-game losing skid began last Monday. New Orleans has also gone a respectable 13-10 against the spread at home this year.
Should Nikola Jokic sit, the Denver Nuggets will trust backup center Zeke Nnaji to start in his stead. Nnaji has averaged 8.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and one assist per game as a starter. Veteran big man DeAndre Jordan may also enter the lineup at the five as well.
Nuggets-Pelicans NBA Betting & DFS Advice
With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. finally healthy, the Nuggets have genuine NBA championship aspirations. Risking Nikola Jokic for a regular-season game in January doesn’t make sense, so don’t expect to see the superstar center unless the Nuggets have full confidence in his health. Hamstring injuries can linger, so Jokic may miss another game or two. If Jokic plays, Stokastic’s NBA DFS projections have him racking up 60.9 fantasy points at a not-so-unreasonable salary of $11,600 at DraftKings.
The Denver Nuggets are a 1-point favorite at both DraftKings and FanDuel. Pinnacle, a sharp sportsbook, also has this game at that number — although they have the juice slanted in New Orleans’ favor. Those numbers suggest Jokic’s status is in genuine question. Expect meaningful movement in either direction once the Nuggets release something official.
Bettors who think Jokic remains out should head to DraftKings to back the Pelicans as a 1-point home underdog. Getting the +1 before definitive news about Denver’s superstar comes out would likely score you a small amount of closing-line value (CLV). Those new to DraftKings can earn $200 in bonus bets with a $5 wager. Bettors in Ohio can score the same deal but via this link instead!
The legal gambling age is 21+ in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
