The Los Angeles Lakers (43-12) and the New Orleans Pelicans (25-32) battle at Staples Center. The Lakers are an 8-point favorite and will try to extend their five-game winning streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 238.5 points and action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
The last time the Pelicans played, they covered the 10.5-point spread against the Golden State Warriors, 115-101. The Lakers, meanwhile, topped the Boston Celtics,114-112, but failed to cover as 8-point favorites. The New Orleans game finished 22 points under the projected point total of 238, while the Los Angeles game finished 3.5 points over the projected point total of 222.5.
New Orleans played a nearly flawless game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 27.5 (above their season average of 23.9) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.556 (above their season average of 0.539). For those same stats, Golden State was 22.4 and 0.495, respectively. Los Angeles, meanwhile, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 12.9) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.4 (below their season average of 25.1). Boston was 15.0 and 18.6, respectively, for those same stats. Los Angeles rallied around Anthony Davis, who finished with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Jrue Holiday, meanwhile played a pivotal role for New Orleans with 23 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds.
The Lakers have won both matchups against the Pelicans this year. The two teams combined to score 236 points in their most recent game, which was over the projected point total of 225. Los Angeles won 123-113, covering as a 10-point favorite. Los Angeles was effective at getting and making free throws. The Lakers made 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent), while the Pelicans were just 6-7 (85.7 percent). Davis recorded a double-double with 46 points and 13 rebounds.
Vegas is known to place the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 57.9 percent of their games have gone over the total. New Orleans comes into the contest with records of 25-32 straight up (SU) and 28-25-4 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Lakers’ 55 games, 28 have finished over the total. Additionally, Los Angeles owns records of 43-12 SU and 29-25-1 ATS.
The high-octane offense of Los Angeles (fourth in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 111.7) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of New Orleans (20th in the league with a defensive efficiency of 110.1). The Lakers should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank first in blocks per game (6.9) while the Pelicans rank 10th (5.2).
- Los Angeles averages 53.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.8).
- The Pelicans average 16.7 fast break points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Lakers rank 29th in fast break points allowed per game (16.3).
- Los Angeles averages 14.9 second chance points per game, which ranks second in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.9).
- Los Angeles ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while New Orleans ranks 16th (45.4).
- The Lakers average 8.5 steals per game, which ranks third in the league. The Pelicans rank 28th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
- The Pelicans rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (38.1) while the Lakers rank 23rd (31.0).
- Los Angeles ranks sixth in assists per game (26.2) while New Orleans ranks 15th in assists allowed per game (24.4).
- Los Angeles ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while New Orleans ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.1).
- In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, New Orleans is 3-0 and Los Angeles is 15-0.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Lakers are 39-11 and the Pelicans are 25-29.
- Los Angeles is 14-12-1 ATS at home, while New Orleans is 14-11-4 ATS on the road.
- Of the Pelicans’ 29 road games, they have 17 overs and 12 unders.
- The Lakers have 15 unders and 12 overs in 27 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pelicans are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 3-2.
- In their last five games, New Orleans has 4 overs and 1 under, while Los Angeles has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 124.6 points per game (8.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.6 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
- The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 7.4 for the season.
