Lakers vs Pelicans: Preview, Odds, and Predictions for Saturday’s NBA Matchup

The Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off on Saturday, November 17, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This matchup marks the second night of a back-to-back for both teams, following their respective games on Friday.

The Lakers, currently standing at 8-4, are on a hot streak, having won four consecutive games. Their most recent victory was a 120-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs, where Anthony Davis led the team with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. LeBron James also had a notable performance with a triple-double of 15 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists.

In contrast, the Pelicans, with a record of 4-9, have been struggling, having lost nine of their last 11 games. However, they managed to snap a six-game losing streak with a 101-94 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Brandon Ingram was key in this victory, scoring 29 points along with nine rebounds and seven assists.

The betting odds favor the Lakers significantly. They are listed as 6.5-point road favorites, with a moneyline of -275 to win outright, while the Pelicans are at +225. The over/under for the game is set at 220.5 points.

Both teams are dealing with significant injury issues. The Pelicans have eight players on their injury report, including Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray. The Lakers have seven players listed, with Anthony Davis probable due to left plantar fasciitis and several other key players out or questionable.

Predictions and picks for the game lean towards the Lakers due to their current form and the Pelicans’ depleted roster. Analysts recommend betting on the Lakers to cover the spread and also suggest same-game parlays involving Anthony Davis’s rebound prop and LeBron James’s assist prop.