Current form
The Pelicans put on a real show for their audience on March 9, confidently defeating the Washington Wizards — 138:118. From the very first minutes, the hosts set the pace, from which the guests could not recover. Fast attacks, accurate shots, and tight defense are a classic recipe for basketball dominance. By the first break, the Pelicans had already made a solid start. After a long break, they did not start playing on hold, but rather added speed. Counterattacks rained down one after another, and the depth of the squad made it possible to keep a high tempo with almost no slumps. The attack was especially impressive. The three-pointers flew steadily, the team felt in control of the situation under the ring, and the defense regularly deprived the opponent of second chances. Trey Murphy III was the best on the floor, with 24 points and the confidence of a man who can do anything today. Saddiq Bey added 23. The Pelicans in the Western Conference are at the bottom of the table with a balance of 21 wins and 45 losses.
Current form
Toronto experienced a much less pleasant evening in their last match. On March 11, the Canadians lost to the Houston Rockets 99-113 on the road. The game started off encouragingly for the visitors. The first quarter was left for the Raptors — 15:11, and it seemed that the team was ready to control the course of the meeting. But basketball often changes faster than the mood of the fan in the stands. Houston gradually found his game: the defense became tougher, the attack more diverse. By the big break, the hosts were already confidently leading the score, and in the second half they only strengthened their advantage. The final quarter was especially difficult for Toronto. Losses, blunders and poor attacking decisions allowed the opponent to calmly bring the match to victory. Scotty Barnes became the main bright spot for the Canadian team. The forward scored 22 points, actively worked under the ring and tried to keep the team in the game. In the Eastern Conference standings, the Raptors are in fifth place with a balance of 36 wins and 28 losses.
New Orleans is approaching the match on an emotional high after a bright victory and looks much fresher. The team is confident in attacking, and the Pelicans have a powerful argument under the ring in the person of Williamson, whom not every defense is comfortable dealing with. The situation in Toronto is more complicated. The Canadians arrive after a defeat, and personnel problems clearly prevent the team from feeling calm. Several players have dropped out of the rotation, and this significantly reduces the depth of the squad. In such conditions, it is especially difficult to play on the road against a team that has just caught a good rhythm.
Prediction — New Orleans wins in 2.00
New Orleans' Total Foulrateis over 18.5
The Pelicans commit an average of 17.4 violations per game.
1.77As part of the regular season of the National Basketball Association, tonight at the Smoothie King Center stadium in New Orleans, the local club will host a team from Toronto on its home floor. The hosts have won two of their last five matches, while the visitors have scored two wins in five meetings. Today's match will be held without the presence of an audience.
Liontips
