The Lakers – featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis – have been the biggest disappointment on the court this season with a 1-5 start. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are 4-2, and with a healthy Zion Williamson, they show some promise.
The Pelicans enter the game favored by three points with an over/under of 227.5. The New Orleans moneyline is -170, while Los Angeles is +140.
Pelicans weathering early storm
The Pelicans have been tested during their 4-2 start with their lone losses to a 6-2 Utah Jazz team by one in overtime and to the 6-1 Phoenix Suns on the road. The New Orleans slate includes wins against the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Brooklyn Nets – all predicted playoff teams.
They have the top offense in the league, scoring 118.5 points per game, and are second in offensive efficiency both in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage – converting 48.9% and 40% of attempts, respectively.
Defensively they’ve held their own, too, ranking 13th in allowing 111.3 points per game, 13th in opposing field goal percentage of 46.3%, and second in opposing 3-point percentage of 31.9%.
While Brandon Ingram has had a strong start, he is out along with E.J. Liddell, and Kira Lewis Jr. Expect Williamson and C.J. McCollum to carry the load in their absences.
Lakers look to sort out struggles
The Lakers lost five straight to start the season before a 121-110 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets last time out. They’ve dug themselves a sizable hole because their offense is nonexistent. They are second worst in scoring (105.3 points per game), field goal percentage (42.7%), and last in 3-point percentage (26.6%).
Defensively they’ve been solid, ranking eighth in allowing 110.5 points per game, fifth in opposing field goal percentage (44.2%), and eighth in opposing 3-point percentage (72.9%).
A lengthy injury report shows Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant remain out, who will be key pieces when they return, James is probable (foot), Davis is questionable (back), and Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) is probable.
Part of the issue has been Russell Westbrook, who is averaging 13.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 34.3%. Either getting him on track or finding him a new home could be the key to success, once healthy.
Pelicans/Lakers Betting Prediction
The Pelicans are 4-2 against the spread and 5-1 on overs this season. They are 3-1 on the road, while the Lakers are 1-2 at home. The Lakers are 1-5 against the spread and 2-4 on overs.
Of late, the under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Los Angeles, and the Pelicans are 4-1 against the spread over the last five, regardless of location.
The public shows 62% of bets are on the Pelicans to cover, and 59% are on the under. We’ll take Pelicans -3.5 and over 227.5.
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