New Orleans is playing a lot better lately but now that Nikola Jokic, Austin Rivers and Zeke Nnaji all have been cleared to play, I think Denver can hold serve at home. Apparently, DeMarcus Cousins is a lot more important to Denver than we thought. The Nugs have won 11 of 12 when he plays and he's veraging 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 14.6 minutes per game.

The Pelicans had maybe their most impressive win of the season Friday, dismantling the Jazz in a 34-point route. They have now won four straight games by at least 15 points. Not only has the addition of C.J. McCollum made a big difference, but Brandon Ingram averaged 27.3 points and shot 61.4 percent from the field during their four-game winning streak. I wouldn’t be surprised if they won this game, so I like taking the points.