There are nine teams separated by 3.5 games competing for four spots in the Western Conference play-in tournament and two spots in avoiding the play-in tournament.
That makes Tuesday’s game all the more important as the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans are near the bottom end of that run with a 33-35 record. Winnable New Orleans Pelicans games are increasingly more valuable until Zion Williamson returns from his hamstring issue.
Though it will be a challenge as Anthony Davis (foot) is probable in his return to New Orleans for the last time on this year’s NBA schedule. Here is an analysis of each team, history, and odds before making Lakers vs Pelicans betting picks.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Information
Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA.
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 8:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Recent Scores
One of the more exciting stories about NBA matchups is because of the Davis trade, which set the Pelicans up for where they are at now. Though there are only 70 meetings in the regular season between them, the Lakers have a 43-27 edge.
While they have won two of the last three, including against the spread, the Pelicans have won four of the last six and are 4-2 against the spread in those meetings, when the under is 4-2.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers Facts to Know
The Lakers record against the spread and on over/unders is 33-34-1. They are 15-19 straight up on the road. Despite the injury to James, they have gone on a little run with seven wins in their last ten games, including a 7-3 record against the spread. That is useful, considering Lakers vs Pelicans betting picks.
The Lakers play with a quicker pace, as evident by ranking eighth in scoring 116.6 points per game and 21st in allowing 117.2 points per game.
But they are 11th in offensive efficiency, converting 47.9% of attempts, and 10th in defensive efficiency at limiting teams to 46.8% from the field and ranked second in holding them to 34.3% on 3-point shots, NBA team stats show.
Davis has played great of late, with a stretch of four 30-point games in five. He also has five games with at least 15 rebounds in his last 10, NBA player stats show.
New Orleans Pelicans Facts to Know
The Pelicans have won two of their last three games on this homestand. They are 22-12 straight up at home, though 31-37 against the spread and 34-34 on over/unders this season.
Pelicand are the best team at perimeter defending, holding opponents to 33.9% on 3-pointers, and are better offensively inside with a 47.8% field goal percentage, which is 12th.
They don’t play with great pace, though, sitting around league average in both points for and points against.
Updates
The Lakers will be without LeBron James (foot) until late March and center Mo Bamba (ankle) until the playoffs, should they make it. The Pelicans will get Williamson back later in March, along with Jose Alvarado (shin). Rookie E.J. Liddell is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
NBA odds today show the Pelicans are favored by a point with an over/under of 225.5 points. Each team’s implied total is 112.5 points, with -120 odds on the over and -110 odds on the under.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
NBA picks today show 57% of bettors are on the Lakers to cover the spread, while another 53% are on the over.
Still, Lakers vs Pelicans betting will come down to which version of Davis shows up, the dominant post everyone knows, or the one who is in and out of it – mentally and physically. We’ll take the Lakers +1.
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