The Denver Nuggets begin their 2026–27 season Saturday night with a giant question waiting at center court: Can Nikola Jokic pull a changed roster back toward the top of the West? The three-time MVP will lead Denver into its home opener against a New Orleans Pelicans team that already has one close, hard-fought game behind it.

As of Thursday, Denver is 0-0, while New Orleans is 0-1 after falling 123-120 to Indiana on Oct. 21. That narrow result gives the Pelicans proof that their offense can score, but it also puts extra focus on finishing strong. Denver, meanwhile, gets its first chance to turn last season’s first-round playoff exit into the start of a new story.

Jokic is the author of nearly every great Denver possession. Last season, he averaged almost 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. Those numbers show why he is so tough to stop: he can score near the basket, grab the missed shot, then fire a pass that creates an open look for a teammate. The Nuggets were a sharp-shooting group last season, hitting nearly 40 percent of their three-pointers, and Jokic’s passing is a major reason why.

Jamal Murray is Denver’s quick-strike partner. He uses screens from Jokic to get free for pull-up jumpers or drives, and he averaged more than 25 points last season. Aaron Gordon adds power around the rim, especially when Jokic spots him cutting behind a defender. New arrival DeMar DeRozan gives Denver another player who can create a shot when the clock is winding down. Still, the Nuggets must show that their new mix can defend and run with younger, faster teams.

That is where New Orleans can make this game lively. Zion Williamson attacks the paint like a charging train, using strength and quick feet to reach the rim. He opened the season with 22 points, while Dejounte Murray scored 23 and handed out seven assists. Murray can guide the offense, then use his long reach to bother Denver’s guards. The Pelicans also collected 49 rebounds and made 11 steals in their opener, signs of a team willing to chase every loose ball.

Herb Jones could draw important defensive jobs on the wing, while Trey Murphy III gives New Orleans a tall shooter who can stretch the floor. Yet the Pelicans made only one-third of their three-point tries in the opener and committed 15 turnovers. Against Jokic, a rushed pass can quickly become a Denver fast break or an easy cut to the basket.

The key battle is control. New Orleans wants to speed the game up with defense, rebounds, and Zion’s powerful drives. Denver wants Jokic to slow it down, read the floor, and make each possession feel like a puzzle with one perfect answer.

New Orleans has enough athletic talent to make Denver work, but the Nuggets have the home court, a rested group, and the league’s best all-around organizer in Jokic. Prediction: Denver wins its season opener.

Nikola Jokic Opens Denver’s New Chapter Against New Orleans