The Denver Nuggets travel to The Big Easy to play the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie Kings Center on Wednesday.

The Nuggets (34-15) just pulled off a historic win in their most recent game, as that sort of epic outcome shows the sort of magical season they're having. Denver looked dead in the water when they trailed 70-45 late in the second half on Monday but they made it all the way back to hand the Memphis Grizzlies a devastating 95-92 defeat. That marked Denver's 17th win in their last 23 games, as they currently own the second-best record in the Western Conference. What's truly shocking about this club is the fact that they win defensively, as they currently rank top-six in points allowed, defensive efficiency and rebounding. Those are rare feats from a Denver organization that usually thrives offensively and it says a lot about what Mike Malone has brought to his team. Malone has to be thankful he has a stud like Nikola Jokic though, as he's leading this team with averages of 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game.

Jamal Murray won't suit up here for Denver, as he continues to deal with severe swelling in his ankle.

The Pelicans (23-28) aren't the worst team in the league right now but they very well may be the most dysfunctional. It's this whole Anthony Davis saga that's really killing them, as he formally asked for a trade on Monday. Losing one of the best players in the league is obviously a detriment, especially considering he is sidelined right now due to a finger injury. He's not the only one in the training room either, as Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton and E'Twaun Moore are all nicked up too. That's arguably five of their best six players and one has to wonder if this has something to do with all this drama. It's led to a disastrous stretch for the Pelicans too, as they come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games. With that said, New Orleans had one of their biggest wins of the season on Tuesday, as they went to Houston and won on the road against the Rockets, despite not having four starters. That means this is the back end of a back-to-back set, as playing in that circumstance in Denver is one of the toughest tasks in the NBA.

Anthony Davis (finger), Julius Randle (ankle), Eflrid Payton (ankle), Nikola Mirotic (calf) and E'Twaun Moore (rest) are all on the injury report headed into this matchup.

These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team prevailing in each outing. Prior to that, Denver won four of their previous five games over New Orleans.