Pelicans vs. Nets Betting Predictions 10/19/22

New Orleans Pelicans (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. Brooklyn Nets (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
When: Wednesday, October, 19th, 7:30 PM (ET)
Where: Barclays Center, NY, Brooklyn
TV: BSNO

Point Spread: NO +-3/ BKN -3
Total: 231.0
Money Line: New Orleans Pelicans +129/ -154

Recent Form

The Pelicans are coming off a 2021-2022 season in which they finished with a record of 36-46,
placing them 8th in the Western Conference. The team’s playoff run came to an end in the 1st
round against Phoenix. When looking at how the 36-46 performed on the road, they finished with a
mark of just 17-24. Playing teams outside the Western Conference was problematic for New Orleans
last season, as they went just 11-19.

In the 2021-2022 regular season, the Nets season ended with a 1st round loss to Boston. The
team entered the playoffs ranked 7th in the Eastern on a record of 44-38. Even though the team
finished the year with an above .500 record, they will look to play better at home this season as
they finished with a mark of 20-21 (2021-2022). Last year, the Nets had a tough time in games vs
Non-Conference opponents, going 13-17.

The Historicals

The Nets are coming off a season in which they defeated New Orleans in both of their games,
winning by scores of 120 and 105. Similar to their season-long average, the Pelicans averaged
108.5 points per game vs the Nets. On the other side, Brooklyn saw an improvement in their
scoring numbers when playing the Pelicans, as they averaged 120.0 points per game in these
matchups. Across the last 5 matchups between the teams, Brooklyn has gone 4-1 vs the spread.
However, the Pelicans actually have a positive scoring margin in these games at +18 points per
game. The over-under record in these same games is 3-2, with the teams combining for an average
of 120.0 points per game.

Analysis

Last season, the Pelicans struggled on offense, averaging just 109.3 points per game. This
figure placed the team 21st in the NBA. In today’s game, New Orleans is facing off against a
Brooklyn defense that finished near the league average in points allowed per game. Last year, the
Pelicans had a record of 18-12 vs teams in the middle third of the league in points allowed.

Shooting Guard C.J. McCollum returns to the team as their leading scorer, averaging 22.1
points per game in the 2021-2022 season. For the year, he shot 46.0% from the field which was 5th
on the team. He heads into today’s game vs Brooklyn with an excellent matchup, as throughout last
season, the Nets struggled to limit opposing shooting guard’s in the scoring department.

Last season, the Nets were one of the top-scoring teams in the NBA, averaging 112.9 points per
game, placing them 9th in the league. In today’s game, Brooklyn is facing off against a New
Orleans defense that finished near the league average in points allowed per game. Last year, the
Nets had a record of 17-8 vs teams in the middle third of the league in points allowed.

This season, the Nets will once again look for a big season from Kevin Durant, as he is coming
off a year in which he averaged 29.87 points per game. In addition to his scoring, Durant grabbed
an average of 7.4, which was 1st on the team. In today’s game, he could be primed for a good
offensive showing, as New Orleans struggled to defend small forward’s in the 2021-2022
season.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Orleans’s last 11 games when playing Brooklyn
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans’s last 5 games when playing on the road against
  Brooklyn
• Brooklyn is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
• Brooklyn is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Orleans

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Heading into today’s matchup between Brooklyn and New Orleans, the Nets are the favorite to
come away with a win. However, look for the Pelicans to keep things interesting as we get a
chance to see a trimmed-down Zion Williamson and how he pairs with CJ McCollum. I like the
Pelicans to cover the spread.