Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Pelicans NBA Prediction, Pick and Preview, February 23rd, 2023

Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

The Toronto Raptors continue at home and will host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night to play their first game after the All-Star break. These teams already faced each other earlier this season in New Orleans where the Pelicans took the win 126-108.  Zion Williamson had 33 points, four steals and two blocks, and Trey Murphy added six 3-pointers and 26 points. The Pelicans shot 52.3% from the floor on 45-of-86 shooting, had 28 assists and led by as many as 31 points midway through the third quarter.  

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are currently tenth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28-31, but they have managed to maintain a positive record at home, winning 18 out of 31 games. The team is led by Pascal Siakam, who has been a dominant force in the paint, averaging 12.1 points per game in that area, and leading the team to rank third in the Eastern Conference with 52.2 points per game in the paint. Siakam has been in excellent form this season, averaging 25.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Alongside Siakam, Fred VanVleet has also been a consistent scorer for the Raptors, averaging 20.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in the last 10 games.

In the last 10 games, the Raptors have been in good form, winning six out of their last 10 games and averaging 116.7 points, 44.3 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 8.7 steals, and 5.2 blocks per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.4 points per game.

In terms of injuries, the Raptors will be missing Otto Porter Jr. for the rest of the season due to a foot injury, while Gary Trent Jr. is listed as day to day with a calf injury, and OG Anunoby is out with a wrist injury.

In terms of gameplay, the Raptors have been dominant in the paint this season, and this is likely to be a significant factor in this matchup. The Raptors are averaging 52.2 points per game in the paint, which ranks them third in the Eastern Conference. Siakam has been leading the way in the paint, and his ability to get to the rim and finish will be a challenge for the Pelicans.

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a tough season so far, with injuries and player movement affecting their performance. The team is currently 10-19 on the road, and they will need to step up their game if they hope to secure a win against the Raptors. The Pelicans are led by CJ McCollum, who has been a consistent scorer for the team, averaging 21.1 points per game and making 2.8 3-pointers per game. Jonas Valanciunas has also been in excellent form, shooting an impressive 60.8% and averaging 15.5 points per game in the last 10 games. However, the team will be missing their star player, Zion Williamson, who is currently out with a hamstring injury.

Mike Conley is averaging 10.7 points and 7.6 assists for the Pelicans. Lauri Markkanen is averaging 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds over the past 10 games for New Orleans.

The Pelicans have struggled in their last 10 games, winning only four out of their last 10 games and averaging 112.7 points, 42.6 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.6 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game, while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.6 points per game.

Injuries: They will be missing E.J. Liddell due to a knee injury, Larry Nance Jr. is listed as day to day with a groin injury, Dyson Daniels is out with an ankle injury, and their star player Zion Williamson is out with a hamstring injury.

BETTING TRENDS

New Orleans are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.

New Orleans are 4-12 SU in their last 16 games.

New Orleans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against Toronto.

New Orleans are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Toronto.

New Orleans are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road.

New Orleans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games.

Toronto are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games against New Orleans.

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home.

Prediction

The Raptors are favored to win this matchup, and there are several reasons why they are likely to come out on top. First, the team has been in good form recently, winning six out of their last 10 games. Second, they have the home-court advantage, which could give them the edge they need to secure a win. Finally, their strength in the paint, led by Siakam, is likely to be a major factor in this matchup. The Pelicans will need to find a way to stop Siakam and the Raptors' big men from dominating the area, which could be a challenging task. The Raptors' defense is holding opponents to an average of 105.3 points per game in their last 10 games.  I'm taking the Raptors.

PICK: Raptors -6 (-110)

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