These teams have star scorers, but have been playing strong defenses. That's reflected in the Pelicans going Under in six of their last seven games and the Under cashing in each of the Nuggets' last six games.

If you discount giving up 120 points to the high-scoring Warriors at Golden State, the Pelicans have surrendered only 97.4 points in their last five games. New Orleans ranks seventh in the NBA in scoring defense and first in 3-point percentage defense. The Under has cashed in seven of New Orleans' last eight road games.

Denver has held its last six foes to an average of 106.5 points. The Nuggets rank 10th in scoring defense and are No. 3 in 3-point percentage defense. They also are the No. 1 defensive rebounding club.

Don't look for the Pelicans to push pace. This marks their fourth game in six days and third in four days. They are playing, too, in Denver's high altitude.

During the past eight meetings in Denver between the two teams, the Under has cashed six times.