LiontipsNew Orleans vs Lakers. Predictions and Betting Tips for NBA
Command Analysis
New Orleans failed to qualify for the playoffs. Pelicans stopped in one step from their target, on 11th place in the Western conference standings. They couldn't catch up to San Antonio, so they won't play in playoffs this season.
Pelicans are playing without their leaders now. Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, Zion Williamson, Steve Adams and Brandon Ingram are not playing. So defeats to Dallas (107:125) and Golden State (122:125) are not surprising at all.
LeBron James is finally back to Lakers squad. He made it just in time, because team will soon play in the knock-out stages. King's return helped the team to beat Indiana (122:115). LeBron played for 28 minutes. He managed to score 24 points, recorded seven rebounds and eight assists.
Most recent win helped Vogel's team to get over Portland and climb up to the sixth place in the Conference. This position will let the team to enter the fight for the title from the second playoff round, so it is important to keep it.
Trends
СтавкаNew Orleans' total over 105,5
Pelicans are averaging 115,6 points per game
СтавкаFirst quarter: Lakers to win
In their last three home games Pelicans lost the first quarter
Tip and bets
New Orleans don't need that win, but of course they will try to resist against Lakers. Despite the victories, Los Angeles team was struggling in games against Houston, New York and Indiana. Not a single of those games was won by more than seven points margin. In our opinion, favourite won't be able to secure a confident victory.
Our prediction - Handicap (+11,5) for New Orleans
After LeBron James' return Lakers started to score many points. In their last game they scored 122 points. Pelicans are also a high-scoring side and we believe that teams will score more than 219 points combined.
Our second prediction - total over 219,5 points
