Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after making the game winning basket against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Phoenix. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 113-111.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after making the game winning basket against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Phoenix. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 113-111.Rick Scuteri | Associated Press

NBA Xmas: Greg Frank picks Pelicans vs Nuggets with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic looking to extend Denver's winning streak

1-0 Monday, 52-52-1 overall.

Pelicans (+9.5) @ Nuggets (218.5)

Pick: Pelicans 1st Half +5.5

The last game of the day might not be very interesting, as the NBA certainly envisioned Zion Williamson being on the floor for New Orleans when putting the Pelicans on the Christmas schedule. However, we’re guessing that Monday’s road win against a hot Portland team got some confidence percolating in the Pelicans locker room. They’re certainly a team that needed some positive energy and our hunch is that momentum carries over to the first 24 minutes in the Mile High City. We’ll liken this game to one earlier this month for the Nuggets where the Magic traveled to Denver and led by 15 at half before the Nuggets woke up and won by nine behind a big second half. It might be Christmas Day, but I’m not sure the Nuggets come with the same high energy out of the gate. If anything, I’m more inclined the Pelicans do considering they’re off that nice win in Portland and this will be one of the bigger stages they get to play on this year given they’ll be playing the lottery again in the spring. For the first 24 minutes, the young Pelicans hang with the Nuggets in Denver.

WANNA BET NBA BASKETBALL?

In New Jersey: PointsBet.com, Promo code: BETTORS (You can get two risk-free bets up to $1,000 if you qualify.) William Hill NJ (Deposit $50, get $50 cash) RIvers Casino NJ* (First deposit match up to $250)

In Pennsylvania: Rivers Casino PA* (First deposit match up to $250). Only 1x Wager Applies, Playable in PA Only

In most of Europe: William Hill UK; Pinnacle (No UK or Portugal); Asian Odds (No UK or Portugal)

In Asia: Pinnacle/Asian Odds

In parts of South America: Pinnacle/Asian Odds

In parts of Africa: Pinnacle/Asian Odds

*Note: First Deposit Bonus may only be claimed once per person across all Rivers websites

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER

Related Stories

No stories found.
Bettors Insider
www.bettorsinsider.com