Match details-

Fixture: Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 25, 2019, 10:30 PM ET (Thursday, 4:30 AM GMT)

Venue: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

Preview-

After finishing on top of the Western Conference last year, very few thought they will be as good in the 2019/20 season. After playing 29 games in the season, the Nuggets find themselves second in the Western Conference table with 21 wins. They will be coming into the Christmas night fixture against New Orleans Pelicans having won seven games in a row.

For the Pelicans, the season has been far from being a good one. Their 8-23 record places them just above the last placed Golden State Warriors in the West Conference. Loss of a stars in the pre-season and the loss of those present due to injury have combined to their woes this season. No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson is still out with injury as the Pelicans wait for him in eagerness.

Injury updates & team news-

Denver Nuggets-

Injuries: No injuries.

Expected starting line-up: Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Paul Millsap, Will Barton, Nikola Jokic

New Orleans Pelicans-

Injuries: Zion Williamson (Knee)- Out, Darius Miller (Right Achillies)- Out, Nicola Melli- Out

Expected starting line-up: JJ Reddick, Jrue Holiday, LonzoBall, Brandon Ingram, Derrick Favors

Predictions-

The distance between the team in the league table gives an idea about who would be the favourites on the night of Christmas. Pelicans are a decent team going forward, but the Nuggets have one best defenses in the league. While the Nuggets have their last seven games, the Pelicans have only two wins in their last 16 games. With the form the teams are in, the Nuggets should find themselves on the winning side of it.