Brandon Ingram scored 29 points to lift the New Orleans Pelicans to a 101-94 victory over the Denver Nuggets, who played without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets were without star center Nikola Jokic and coach Mike Malone for their NBA Cup opener Friday night against the Pelicans.

The Denver Nuggets will be without their MVP on Friday night in New Orleans. They face the Pelicans in their first Emirates NBA Cup game.

J.J. Redick’s group was 3-1 against New Orleans last season and has won six of the last eight meetings overall. Last season, the Lakers won nearly 70% of their games as a moneyline favorite. The Pels are still without Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, so L.A. shouldn’t have any problems taking care of business.

Analyzing Friday’s Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Detroit Pistons (5-8) and Toronto Raptors (2-10) meet Friday at Scotiabank Arena with tip-off set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pistons vs. Raptors odds and