NBA: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
PublishedDecember 31, 2023,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:December 31, 2023 , ,

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction 12/31/2023

The Los Angeles Lakers (17-16) travel to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (18-14) on Sunday, December 31st. This game will be played at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Lakers are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Jazz. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.

Lakers vs Pelicans

The Lakers Look To Bounce Back From A Lossla lakers nba

Most recently, the Lakers lost to the Timberwolves with a final score of 108-106. The Lakers managed to secure te win, even though they were behind at halftime 61-57.

Coming into today’s matchup vs. the Pelicans, the Lakers are above .500 with a 17-16 record. When it comes to facing Western Conference teams, the Lakers are 13-10 compared to going 4-6 in non-conference games.

Against the spread, the Lakers have covered in two straight games and have an overall ATS record of 15-18. On the road, the Lakers have an ATS record of 8-10, as opposed to a 7-8 record against the spread when playing at home.

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Winnew orleans pelicans

The Pelicans’ most recent matchup against the Jazz saw Brandon Ingram lead the Pelicans with 26 points while shooting 9/18 from the field. As the Pelicans secured the victory with a final score of 112-105, CJ McCollum also chipped in with 22 points.

When playing at home, the Pelicans are 10-7 compared to their 8-7 record on the road this season. Overall, the Pelicans are 18-14 and have gone 1-2 in their last three games.

New Orleans has an ATS record above .500, currently standing at 17-15 against the spread. New Orleans has covered the spread in two straight road games and are 7-8 ATS on the road compared to 10-7 at home.

Lakers Offense Breakdown

Los Angeles has recorded an average of 114.4 points per game (17th) throughout 33 games games. Coming into today’s game, the Lakers will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.9 made 3’s per game. Not only is the Los Angeles offense struggling with their outside shot, but they are also getting to the charity stripe at a below average rate. So far, they are the 13th ranked team in made free-throws per contest.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

In 32 games games, New Orleans has an average of 115.6 points per game (13th). Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.2 made 3’s per game. If the New Orleans offense is going to turn things around, not only do they need to improve their outside shooting but they must do a better job protecting the ball. Currently, they are averaging 13 turnovers per game.

Lakers Team Defense

So far, the Lakers’ defense is ranked 15th in the league at 114.3 points per contest. On two point field goal attempts, the Lakers’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 52.9% and allowing 37.4% from beyond the arc.

Pelicans Team Defense

At present, the Pelicans’ defense is ranked 12th, allowing 113.1 points per game. New Orleans’ defense is currently forcing 13 turnovers per game, which is 14th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 22nd in blocked shots, with an average of 4.6 rejections per game.

Key Players For The Lakers And Pelicans

For today’s matchup, we project Anthony Davis to lead the scoring for the Lakers, putting up 24 points and shooting at a rate of 9/16. This season, he is averaging 25.2 points per game along with 12.4 boards.

As for New Orleans, Jonas Valanciunas is projected to be the primary scorer for the Pelicans. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 15, and adding 11 rebounds. Throughout the season, he has maintained a 56.8% field goal shooting rate and is averaging 14.5 points per game.

Lakers vs Pelicans Trends

  • Across their ten previous road games, Los Angeles has an ATS mark of 4-6. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 115 points per game.
  • When looking at their past three matchups at home, New Orleans has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 127 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
  • In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Lakers have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 2-1.
  • As the betting favorite, the Pelicans have an ATS mark of just 0-3 in their last three games. New Orleans posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.

Lakers vs Pelicans Prediction

Not only do we have the Pelicans winning this one by a score of 147-131, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Pelicans at -5.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 229.5, and our model projects the Lakers and Pelicans to reach a combined total of 278 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.