New Orleans Pelicans (29-21) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (27-25)
As the NBA season reaches its midpoint, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers prepare to square off at Crypto.com Arena this Friday evening – two teams in contention for playoff berths with Pelicans holding slight edge on record – all eyes turn toward live betting websites for insight and odds ahead of this matchup – one sure to have major implications in Western Conference standings.
New Orleans Pelicans have put on an impressive showing this season, boasting a 29-21 record. Offensively, they averaged 116.9 points per game – making them one of the NBA’s most potent offenses with 48.7% field goal percentage and 37.9% 3-point shooting efficiency. Defensively, the Pelicans grabbed 44.6 rebounds per game to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities via 8.2 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while still managing 12.6 turnovers per game; something Lakers teams know well how to exploit.
On the other side of things, Los Angeles Lakers (27-25 record) have also put up impressive figures. Averaging 116.2 points per game and shooting accuracy that sits just behind that of New Orleans Pelicans at 49.2% field goal percentage and 36.7% from three-point range respectively, Lakers also average 43 rebounds, 7.9 steals per game, as well as an impressive 5.5 blocks per contest defensively – although their 13.6 turnovers per game could give an edge to New Orleans Pelicans in game one.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Info
| When: | Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | NBAt |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Brandon Ingram (SF) vs. LeBron James (SF)
Brandon Ingram has played 46 games, averaging 33.1 minutes and 21.8 points per game. He pulls down 5 total rebounds including 0.7 offensive boards and adds 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks. Brandon turns the ball over 2.5 times per game but posts a solid 2.3 assist to turnover ratio.
LeBron James continues his dominance in his 20th season at age 39. In 46 starts, James averages a league-leading 34.9 minutes to go along with his impressive 24.9 points. He crashes the glass for 7.3 total rebounds including 0.9 on the offensive end. LeBron continues to facilitate at an elite level, dishing out 7.6 assists with 3.3 turnovers for a 2.3 assist to turnover rate. His defensive impact remains strong with 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks.
These two forwards showcase contrasting styles and strengths. While Brandon uses his brute force inside, LeBron exhibits more finesse and all-around excellence. However, both have injury question marks. Which star can stay healthier and impose his will more effectively will go a long way in determining a winner. The supporting casts around these stars also factor heavily into the outcome.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Betting odds for this game remain uncertain due to their evenly-matched nature. Bettors will closely follow updates as game time nears; key player performance could sway the odds significantly.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
The Pelicans enter this contest white-hot, winning and covering the spread in seven of their last 10 contests. New Orleans has also thrived versus the betting number away from home, holding a 13-11 ATS record on the road. The Pelicans tend to play high-scoring, fast-paced games as well based on the over hitting in two of their past five and 12 of their previous 25 road matchups.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have won three of five heading into this rivalry game but have struggled against the spread by covering only twice over that stretch. Los Angeles’ ATS struggles are magnified at home with a lackluster 11-16 mark at Crypto.com Arena. The totals have gone over in three of the Lakers’ previous five outings and 10 of their last 26 contests overall.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers 2/9/24 Betting Picks
Given recent performances and statistical analyses from both teams, this game promises to be intensely competitive. Both squads possess different strengths and vulnerabilities, making key player matchups and turnovers likely decisive factors in its outcome.
With both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive statistics being evenly balanced, the game could see a high scoring total. What will ultimately decide it is whether their stars can perform under pressure while bench players make an impactful contribution.
This prediction favors the Pelicans due to their superior consistency and performance against the spread on the road. Bettors should keep a close eye on daily NBA picks as injuries could alter game dynamics significantly.
