The New Orleans Pelicans’ dreams of opening the 2018-19 season 5-0 were dashed Saturday night by the Utah Jazz and Anthony Davis’ late announced elbow sprain. Now the Pelicans look to avoid compounding the loss Saturday by rebounding and winning their second road game of the year tonight in Denver.
Like the Pelicans, the Nuggets are coming off their first loss of the season, a 121-114 defeat to the Lakers. And also like the Pelicans, Denver isn’t at full strength. Will Barton underwent surgery last week to repair a hip injury suffered in Denver’s win over Phoenix, Isaiah Thomas is dealing with his own hip issue, and rookie Michael Porter Jr.