Lakers vs. Pelicans Prediction and Betting Picks 3/14

New Orleans Pelicans will host Los Angeles Lakers at Smoothie King Center, New Orleans on Tuesday night. The Lakers have won two of the three games played against the Pelicans this season.

The Pelicans enter this game on a high after a 127-110 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in their previous game. Trey Murphy III scored a career-high 41 points in the win. The Pelicans are currently 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-35 record, with a .485 winning percentage.

On the other hand, the Lakers have won seven of their last ten games and are currently 10th in the Western Conference with a 33-35 record. The Lakers are on a three-game winning streak, with victories over the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Charlotte Hornets.

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled for form this season, with injuries to key players hampering their progress. They are currently 11th in the Western Conference, with a record of 33-35.

The Pelicans have been led by Brandon Ingram, who has averaged 23.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game this season. Zion Williamson has been the other standout performer for the Pelicans, averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. However, both Ingram and Williamson are currently out due to injury.

The Pelicans have struggled defensively this season, allowing 115.1 points per game, which is the sixth-worst in the NBA. They have also struggled to rebound the ball, averaging just 45.4 rebounds per game, which is the fifth-worst in the league.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, but they have struggled with injuries this season. LeBron James has missed significant time due to a foot injury, while Anthony Davis has also been in and out of the lineup with various injuries.

The Lakers are currently 10th in the Western Conference, with a record of 33-35. They are led by Davis, who is averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season. Russell Westbrook has also been a key contributor for the Lakers, averaging 22.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game.

The Lakers have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, allowing just 106.8 points per game, which is the second-best in the league. They have also been one of the best rebounding teams in the NBA, averaging 45.8 rebounds per game, which is the fourth-best in the league.

Betting Trends

According to KingPin.pro, the Lakers are 6-4 against the spread in their last 10 games, while the Pelicans are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games. The total has gone over in four of the Lakers' last five games and in six of the Pelicans' last 10 games. The Lakers have also won four of their last five games.

Public Betting Data

KingPin.pro shows that 56% of the betting public is currently betting on the Lakers to cover the spread, while 44% is betting on the Pelicans to cover. The total is currently sitting at 224 points, with 56% of the public betting on the over.

Odds

As of writing, the Lakers are 2.5-point favorites at most sportsbooks, with the total set at 224 points.

Injuries

The Lakers will be without LeBron James, who is out with a foot injury, and Mo Bamba, who is out with an ankle injury. Anthony Davis is listed as day-to-day with a foot injury, but he is expected to play. The Pelicans will be without Brandon Ingram, who is out with an ankle injury, Zion Williamson, who is out with a hamstring injury, and E.J. Liddell, who is out with a knee injury. Jose Alvarado is also out with a tibia injury.

Players to Watch:

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis will be the key player to watch. Davis has been on a tear lately, averaging 23 points per game over his last 10 games, and he will need to continue his strong play if the Lakers hope to win this game. D'Angelo Russell will also be a key player to watch for the Lakers, as he has been a consistent scorer and playmaker all season.

For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum will be the key player to watch. McCollum is averaging 21.2 points and 5.9 assists per game this season, and he will need to continue his strong play if the Pelicans hope to win this game. Trey Murphy III will also be a player to watch for the Pelicans, after his 41-point performance in their last game against the Trail Blazers.

Prediction:

This game is a tough one to call, with both teams sitting just outside the playoff picture in the Western Conference. However, the Lakers will be without LeBron James, and the Pelicans have been playing well at home this season. In addition, Trey Murphy III is coming off a career-high 41-point game, and CJ McCollum has been one of the best players in the NBA this season. For these reasons, I'm taking the Pelicans to win this game straight up on the moneyline.

Pick: Pelicans ML