New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction 12/21/18

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Expect a fast-paced game when the New Orleans Pelicans (15-17), 4.5-point underdogs, travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers (18-13). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 234 points and it can be seen on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

Both teams fell in their last outing. The Pelicans (8.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 123-115, while the Lakers (1.5-point favorites) fell to the Brooklyn Nets, 115-110. The New Orleans game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 230, while the Los Angeles game finished 4 points under the projected point total of 229.

New Orleans made 19 of their 42 three pointers (45.2 percent) while Los Angeles held Brooklyn to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.1 (below their season average of 26.1). LeBron James played well for Los Angeles, contributing 36 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. New Orleans was lifted by Jrue Holiday, who put up 25 points, 12 assists and five rebounds.

The Pelicans dominated this series last year, winning all three contests. In the last game, New Orleans won 128-125. New Orleans had a much better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 13.9). Los Angeles, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (22-28; 78.6 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.

Just over half of the Pelicans’ games have finished over the total. New Orleans comes into the game with records of 15-17 straight up (SU) and 15-17 against the spread (ATS).

Lakers games have a tendency to finish under the total (58.1 percent). Moreover, Los Angeles owns records of 18-13 SU and 12-18-1 ATS.

Kyle Kuzma has really been playing well as of late for Los Angeles, averaging 22 points,5.6 rebounds,3.6 assists over the last five games.

There should be plenty of transition action in this battle that showcases two of the league’s more up-and-down teams. Los Angeles currently ranks second in possessions per game (106.0) and New Orleans is fourth (105.5).

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Lakers average 17.838709677419356 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 9 in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 19 in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.375).
  • New Orleans averages 57.1 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (51.0).
  • The Pelicans average 15.8 second chance points per game, which ranks second in the league. The Lakers rank 19th in second chance points allowed per game (13.8).
  • New Orleans averages 47.2 rebounds per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Los Angeles ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.1).
  • Los Angeles averages 5.967741935483871 blocks per game, which ranks 4 in the league. New Orleans ranks 16 in blocks allowed per game (5.0625).
  • The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (20.4) while the Pelicans rank 20th in fast break points allowed per game (14.4).
  • The Pelicans rank 2 in assists per game (27.21875) while the Lakers rank 15 (24.129032258064516).
  • Los Angeles averages 31.096774193548388 three pointers per game, which ranks 15 in the league. New Orleans ranks 22 in three pointers allowed per game (33.125).
  • Los Angeles averages 8.5 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the league. New Orleans ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (8.9).
  • Los Angeles is 6-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while New Orleans is 2-0.
  • The Pelicans are 15-15 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 17-12.
  • New Orleans is 7-9 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 6-8-1 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone over in 8 of the Pelicans’ 16 road games, while 10 of the Lakers’ 15 home games have gone under.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Pelicans are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 1-4.
  • In their last five games, New Orleans has 4 unders and 1 over, while Los Angeles has 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (7.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
  • The Lakers have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Los Angeles has defeated opponents by an average of 1.6 points.