The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to see more than a glimpse of Zion Williamson’s potential this season.
When it comes to New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting, it’s hard to believe that Williamson is entering his fourth season, including last season, where he missed the entire season due to injury and has only played in 85 games.
But Williamson is lighter and has a cleaner bill of health to help New Orleans take on a Nets team Wednesday that has title aspirations.
Nash and Durant Trade Request
To say Brooklyn had a tumultuous summer would be an understatement. The Nets had to fight off criticisms of Coach Steve Nash, and Kevin Durant requested a trade.
However, Brooklyn found a way for everyone to put aside their differences and will again try and be one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Here’s a look at an interesting early game on the NBA schedule.
Teams’ Previous Scoreboards
This is the season opener for both teams. The Nets finished last year 44-38, while the Pelicans were 36-46.
Matchup Information
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Barclays Center
- How to Watch it: NBA League Pass, YES Network
Pelicans vs. Nets Betting Analysis
Pelicans
Acquiring C.J. McCollum raised a lot of eyebrows last season. The Pelicans didn’t seem to be headed anywhere when they acquired the Portland star guard.
McCollum Analysis
However, New Orleans was able to bring in McCollum, and he made a major impact over his last 22 games.
McCollum led the team down the stretch, scoring 24.3 points per game. He also shot 39.4 percent from the 3-point line, knocking down an average of 2.7 treys per game.
Adding McCollum to the mix with Brandon Ingram, who also averaged over 20 points per game, and Jonas Valanciunas made for a deadly mix for New Orleans.
What Pelicans vs Nets betting shows is that New Orleans is hoping the team’s returning core will be able to rally around Williamson and turn into one of the league’s more dangerous teams. The Pelicans may be on the rise this year.
Nets
Despite missing a significant amount of time, Durant led the team by making 55 starts last season. When Durant played, he was effective putting up:
- 29.9 points
- 7.4 rebounds
- 6.4 assists
Per game. The question for the Nets this season is, what does Kyrie Irving have left?
NBA Player Stats
NBA player stats show that Irving averaged 27.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in games that he played in last season.
Brooklyn added T.J. Warren and Markieff Morris to the roster in the offseason. The Nets are also hoping to get a full season out of 3-point specialist Joe Harris, who was injured for most of last season.
Three Point Shooter
Brooklyn was a strong 3-point shooting team last season, but occasionally had rough stretches of playing poor defense.
The Nets will also rely on point guard Ben Simmons, who sat out all of last season with a back injury. Simmons, a strong passer who has shooting woes from mid-range and the outside, is expected to play a key role for Brooklyn.
The Nets are hoping to find the potential for a guy who was the No. 1 pick in the draft by the 76ers, but who has struggled to evolve in the ever-changing NBA.
New Orleans vs. Brooklyn Betting Preview
This NBA matchup is expected to be a close one. Brooklyn are a 3-point favorite. The Nets are -159 on the moneyline, while the Pelicans are +130. The over/under is 231 points.
New Orleans vs. Brooklyn Betting Prediction
NBA team stats shows that Brooklyn may be on the brink of a breakup if things don’t go well this season. The Nets tried to assemble a superteam, but injuries have prevented them from becoming a champion.
Brooklyn will need to be at its best to upend the Pelicans, who should be energized after its playoff performance last year.
However, when it comes to Pelicans vs Nets betting there are some questions about how Williamson will fit back into the lineup. Brooklyn will take advantage and win the season opener and cover the spread.
NBA Pick: Nets -3 (-110)
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