The Washington Wizards (16-14) go head-to-head with the New Orleans Pelicans (15-15) at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.
New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards ATS Prediction
In the Pelicans’ last contest, they were defeated by the Denver Nuggets, 117-111. Denver’s 23.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over New Orleans, who had a rate of 15.9. The Nuggets’ mark was below their season average of 27.7, while the Pelicans’ was below the 22.4 mark opponents have averaged against Denver this season. New Orleans’ Anthony Davis put together a solid game, contributing 28 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.
The Wizards were beaten by the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last contest, 106-99. One of Cleveland’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 10-12 (83.3 percent), while the Wizards were just 9-16 (56.3 percent). Bradley Beal put together a solid game for Washington, leading both teams in scoring with 27 points on 10-for-27 shooting.
New Orleans could have a tough time creating turnovers. Washington ranks seventh in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.4 percent), while New Orleans forces the eighth-fewest turnovers (13.7 percent).
New Orleans holds records of 15-15 straight up (SU) and 17-13 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pelicans’ 30 games, 19 have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Washington owns records of 16-14 SU and 14-16 ATS. Contrary to New Orleans, Wizards games have a tendency to go under the total (70.0 percent).
Jrue Holiday has averaged 25.6 points, 6.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for New Orleans.
After the Wizards won both meetings against the Pelicans last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Washington won 105-91. The Wizards knocked down 19 of their 22 free throws (86.4 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 13.8).
New Orleans Pelicans at Washington Wizards Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New Orleans is 9-6 ATS with 9 overs and 6 unders.
Washington is 4-10 ATS at home with 9 unders and 5 overs.
Washington is 13-1 when they allow less than 100 points, while New Orleans is 4-0.
When scoring above 100 points, the Pelicans are 13-10 and the Wizards are 13-7.
Washington ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while New Orleans ranks 28th (9.2).
The Wizards rank fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while the Pelicans rank 26th (19.1).
New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (50.8) while Washington ranks 20th (41.6).
The Wizards rank 10th in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while the Pelicans rank 28th (14.2).
New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (26.7) while Washington ranks 20th (22.0).
The Wizards rank 14th in three pointers allowed per game (28.5) while the Pelicans rank 27th (31.4).
New Orleans averages 12.1 second chance points per game, which ranks 14th in the league. Washington ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
The Pelicans average 43.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. The Wizards rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (44.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New Orleans is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs.
Washington is 0-5 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Pelicans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.2, up from 0.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 100.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.0 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
