NBA
Denver enters with an 0-1 start and a negative scoring profile, putting up 84.0 points per game while allowing 96.0. New Orleans is also 0-1, but its opener was much more productive offensively at 120.0 points, backed by 42.7% shooting from the field, 33.3% from deep, and 91.9% at the line. The Pelicans also posted 49 rebounds, 23 assists, 11 steals, and 6 blocks in that game, showing a box score that was competitive even in defeat. Denver’s early season profile is built more on defense than scoring, while New Orleans has already flashed a higher offensive ceiling.
Denver should still be the more stable side at home, but the projected final score of 116-108 points to a game that stays inside the current number rather than turning into a blowout. New Orleans has already shown enough offensive volume to keep pressure on the margin, and Denver’s early-season scoring profile has not been dominant enough to justify a wider separation. The cleanest read is New Orleans keeping this within the spread while Denver likely still wins outright.
