The 3-1 Denver Nuggets are coming off a loss, while the 0-4 Pelicans are still looking to put a number the win column. It’s an interesting match-up that wouldn’t look as such if you just look at their records.

A close but ugly loss

The usually blazing offense of the Nuggets got hosed on Wednesday, as they bowed to the Dallas Mavericks in a frustrating, 109-106 loss. Their ever-reliable offensive barrage was suddenly clunky when it mattered most and they went on to score a season-low 18 points in the final period.

With that, it will be intriguing to see how well the group can respond in their following game. Will they feel the pressure this early or will they be more focused to put on a high-scoring performance?

The Nuggets have no shortage of weapons on offense. Nikola Jokic is basically a walking triple-double (two in four games this season) and Jamal Murray (18.8 PPG), despite an up-and-down start to the season, is still a dangerous scorer from anywhere on the floor. The other three starters, meanwhile, are all averaging 13 points per game or better and collectively hitting 5.5 threes per contest.

Good offense, really terrible defense

The Pelicans can score with the best of them, but unfortunately, they can’t defend anyone even if their lives depended on it. They are currently fifth in scoring (121 PPG) and sixth in offensive rating but dead-last in points allowed (128.3 PPG) and just about every defensive category. To make matters worse, the team’s best defender, Jrue Holiday, is out for at least the next six weeks as he heals from undergoing surgery in his core muscle.

Brandon Ingram is (finally) breaking out

As the do-it-all main man for the Pels, Ingram is pacing the team in points (27.3), rebounds (9.5), and blocks (1.3) per game. Times are tough for the 22-year-old, but if he continues to provide such efforts on both ends, he’ll be on his way into becoming an All-Star in the league.

PREDICTION:

Expect the Nuggets to take this one. We should witness another high-scoring affair, with either Jokic or Murray having a scoring duel with Ingram.