Nuggets' top offense hosts Pelicans' 24th-ranked defense

The Denver Nuggets (54-28 last season) host the New Orleans Pelicans (26-56) on Saturday, October 24 at 9:00 PM ET, with the NBA's most efficient offense facing a defense that ranked 24th.

All figures are from last season, with this season's rosters. Denver scored 120.3 points per 100 possessions, first in the NBA, and led the league with a 57.7 effective field goal percentage.

New Orleans allowed opponents a 55.5 effective field goal percentage, 23rd, so the Pelicans face shooters who rarely miss.

The Pelicans can answer on the glass. They ranked eighth in offensive rebounding at 27%, while Denver was 25th at 23.6%, and second chances are where New Orleans can cut into the gap.

Denver forced turnovers on 10% of opposing possessions, the lowest rate in the league.

Nikola Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season and led Denver in all five statistical categories. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 21.5 points a game and shot 88.6% at the line. Derik Queen grabbed 7.1 rebounds a night.

Denver is short on wings. Cameron Johnson and Spencer Jones are out until Monday, October 26, Julian Strawther is also out, and Alpha Diallo is questionable. New Orleans lists center Yves Missi, who blocked 1.5 shots a game, as day-to-day.

The Pelicans have lost both games they have played this season, 120-119 at Utah and 123-120 to Indiana at home. Denver lost 96-84 at Oklahoma City. New Orleans went 1-9 over its last 10 games last season.

Sportsbooks' prices give Denver an 80% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, gives the Nuggets 79% and a margin of 10.2 points.