Pelicans vs Lakers Pick: NBA Betting Prediction for Dec 7

New Orleans Pelicans (12-10 SU, 13-9 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (13-9 SU, 10-12 ATS)

When: Thursday, December 7th, 9:00 PM (ET)

Where: T-Mobile Arena, NV, Las Vegas

TV: TNT

Point Spread: NO +2/LAL -2

Total: 229.5

Money Line: New Orleans Pelicans +104/-125

Notable Injuries

Pelicans

• Larry Nance Jr. (Out) Rib
• Matt Ryan (Out) Calf

Lakers

• Anthony Davis (Probable) Hip
• LeBron James (Questionable) Calf
• Jarred Vanderbilt (Probable) Heel
• Gabe Vincent (Out) Knee

Recent Form

Coming into today, the Pelicans are 12-10 overall and have gone 2-1 in their last three games. In the Western Conference, the Pelicans are in 8th place and are 2nd in the Southwest division.

As of now, the Lakers have an overall record of 13-9 and have gone 2-1 in their last three games. In the Western Conference, they are currently ranked 5th and are the top team in the Pacific Division.

The Historicals

Across the previous five meetings between the teams, the Lakers have an average scoring margin of +6 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 3-2. New Orleans and Los Angeles averaged a combined 234 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.

Analysis

The Pelicans are coming off a good offensive performance, putting up 127 points vs. the Kings. This figure is more than their season average of 114.6 points per game. Offensively, the Pelicans have a season-long field goal percentage of 48%, which is 7th in the league. In terms of three-pointers, they are 20th in percentage and 27th in three-pointers made.

Currently, the Pelicans’ defense holds the 17th rank in the NBA, allowing 113.4 points per game.

When it comes to forced turnovers, the Pelicans are forcing 13.2 per game, which is 13th in the league. They also come into the game sitting 26th in blocked shots at 4.4 per game.

Against the Suns, the Lakers had a tough time putting up points compared to their season average of 112.2 points per game. They scored 106 points and posted a field goal percentage of 37.3% in the game. On the offensive front, the Lakers have a season-long field goal percentage of 48%, ranking 6th in the NBA. When it comes to three-point shooting, they are ranked 29th in terms of percentage and 30th in three-pointers made.

On the defensive side, Los Angeles is currently hovering around the NBA’s average for points allowed, conceding an average of 113.0 points per game.

For the season, Los Angeles is ranked 29th in fewest fouls per game. Teams are averaging 18.5 free throws per game vs. the Lakers and have an overall field goal percentage of 45.8%.

Betting Trends

• In their last five games away from home, the Pelicans have a straight-up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 114 points per game in these contests.
• In their last five home games, Los Angeles has averaged 113 points per game while allowing 117. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
• New Orleans has done well both straight up and vs. the spread as the underdog, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Lakers have a strong straight up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 3-0 in these scenarios.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

On the Western Conference side of the in-season tournament, the Lakers are favored by two over the Pelicans. Coming off an impressive win over the Kings, I see the Pelicans taking down the Lakers and moving on to the in-season tourney championship game.