Home Dog Pick: Pelicans vs Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans (4-2 SU, 4-2-0 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1-5 SU, 1-5-0
ATS)
When: Wednesday, November 2nd, 10:30 PM (ET)
Where: Crypto.com Arena, CA, Los Angeles
TV: SPORT

Point Spread: NO -3.0/ LAL +3
Total: 229.5
Money Line: New Orleans Pelicans -154/ +126

Notable Injuries

Pelicans

• Brandon Ingram (Out) Concussion
• Kira Lewis Jr. (Out) Knee
• Herbert Jones (Probable) Knee
• Dyson Daniels (Probable) Ankle
• EJ Liddell (Out) Knee

Lakers

• Anthony Davis (Questionable) Back
• LeBron James (Probable) Foot
• Dennis Schröder (Out) Thumb
• Thomas Bryant (Out) Thumb
• Juan Toscano-Anderson (Probable) Ankle

Recent Form

The Pelicans come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 4-2. So far, the team has
gone 4-2-0 against the spread. Over the team’s past 3 games, New Orleans has an overall record of
2-1, including going 2-1 against the spread.

New Orleans is going for yet another win, as they previously defeated the Clippers. With the
112-91 victory, they also covered the spread as 2-point underdogs. New Orleans and the Clippers
entered the second half all tied at 52. In the win, CJ McCollum led the team in scoring with 22
points on a field goal percentage of 47.4%.

The Lakers come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 1-5. So far, the team has gone
1-5-0 against the spread. Across the team’s previous 3 games, they have gone 1-2 straight-up and
1-2 vs the spread.

The Lakers are coming off a 121-110 win over the Nuggets. This win came despite entering the
game as the 2-point underdogs. Los Angeles went on to win the game, as they led by 4 heading into
halftime. In the win, LeBron James led the team in scoring with 26 points on a field goal
percentage of 45.5%.

The Historicals

Not only did the Pelicans finish with an above .500 record on the road in last year’s
head-to-head matchup vs Los Angeles, but they also won over half of their games as the road team.
In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Pelicans averaged 117.67 points per game vs Los
Angeles, which was an increase over their season-long average. However, the Lakers actually
averaged fewer points per game than their season-long mark. Across their head-to-head matchups
with New Orleans, the team averaged 104.67 points per game. The Pelicans have had the better
record vs the spread over the last 5 games, going 4-1. The team’s average scoring margin in these
contests sits at 8 points per game. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under
mark of 1-4. Combined, they averaged 222 points in these games.

Analysis

For the season, the New Orleans offense is the 1st ranked unit in the NBA, at 118.5 points per
contest. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Pelicans are currently below the league
average in possessions per game, averaging just 98.8 per contest. However, they have been able to
make up for this slow style of place by scoring with a high rate of efficiency. This season, they
are ranked 2nd in made field goals per game.

On defense, the Pelicans will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 13th-ranked unit in points allowed per game.

One thing to watch will be if CJ McCollum will be able to take advantage of his matchup vs the
Lakers. Last year, they were ranked just 20th in points allowed to shooting guards.

Through 6 games, the Lakers are averaging 105.3 points per contest, placing them 29th in the
NBA. For the season, the Lakers have been playing an up-tempo style of basketball as they sit 1st
in the NBA in possessions per game.. Although the team is playing at an up-tempo speed, they
would benefit from scoring with more efficiency, as they are just 29th in the league in overall
field goal percentage at 47.6%.

Defensively, Los Angeles has had its problems giving up an average of 115.15 points per game
(28th).

LeBron James could be in line for a big game vs the Pelicans as they were one of the worst
units at defending small-forwards in the 2021-2022 regular season.

Betting Trends

• Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
• Pelicans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
• Lakers are 15-36 ATS in their last 51 games following a straight up win.
• Lakers are 12-30 ATS in their last 42 games following a ATS win.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

I believe Lebron James has rallied the troops, taken a leadership role and we’re going to see
a different Laker team moving forward. Make no doubt about it, this team has talent. The question
is, are they willing to play as a team, which they showed in their last game. The bookies smell a
Laker win too, as evidenced by the short underdog spread. Bet the Lakers, take a couple
tablespoons of Pepto Bismol and I’ll see you at the cashier’s cage!