The Los Angeles Lakers (31-39) and the New Orleans Pelicans (42-30), who both like to play fast, will battle at Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 22, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 214.5 points with New Orleans set as a 10.5-point favorite.
Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction
In the Lakers’ last game, they were topped by the Indiana Pacers, 110-100. Indiana’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Los Angeles. The Pacers had a rate of 5.9 (better than their season average of 12.1), while the Lakers posted a mark of 11.9. Kyle Kuzma was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
The Pelicans were victorious over the Indiana Pacers in their last contest, 96-92. New Orleans’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Indiana. The Pelicans had a rate of 0.253 (above their season average of 0.186), while the Pacers posted a mark of 0.183. Anthony Davis was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-14 shooting.
There could be a fair amount of transition action in this showdown that features two of the league’s more up-and-down teams. New Orleans ranks second in possessions per game (103.2) and Los Angeles is first (103.6).
Los Angeles comes into the contest with records of 31-39 straight up (SU) and 37-33 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Lakers’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, New Orleans is 42-30 SU and 39-32 ATS. Pelicans games have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (60.6 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Julius Randle (25.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists) has been fantastic for the Lakers while E’Twaun Moore (12.0 points and 3.2 assists) has made solid contributions to the Pelicans.
The Pelicans have emerged victorious in both games against the Lakers this year, including a 22-point blowout in their last matchup. New Orleans covered as a 6-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 256 points, which was 24.5 points above the projected point total of 231.5 points. The Pelicans had a much better turnover percentage (9.2 vs. 17.0) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 16.3). Davis put up a double-double in the victory with 42 points and 15 rebounds.
Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Los Angeles is 18-18 ATS with 20 overs and 16 unders.
New Orleans is 16-19 ATS at home with 25 overs and 10 unders.
New Orleans is 10-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Los Angeles is 11-4.
The Lakers are 28-25 when they score over 100 points, while the Pelicans are 39-19.
New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (51.6) while Los Angeles ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.6).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.3) while the Pelicans rank 28th in fast break points allowed per game (14.4).
Los Angeles averages 14.5 second chance points per game, which ranks second in the league. New Orleans ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Pelicans rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4).
New Orleans ranks third in blocks per game (5.9) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
The Pelicans rank second in assists per game (26.4) while the Lakers rank 17th in assists allowed per game (23.5).
Los Angeles averages 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 11th in the league. New Orleans ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Lakers rank 16th in three pointers attempted per game (28.8) while the Pelicans rank 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.5).
Los Angeles averages 16.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
New Orleans is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Lakers have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Los Angeles has been defeated by an average of 1.6 points.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 102.6 points per game (8.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 98.2 points per game (12.6 below their season average).
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