Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans 4/16/24 – The anticipation is palpable as the Los Angeles Lakers, sporting a record of 47-35, lock horns with the New Orleans Pelicans, who have clinched a slightly better 49-33, in the Play-In Tournament. This matchup, slated for April 16, 2024, promises to be a high-stakes game that has caught the eye of sports bettors and fans alike, especially those frequenting the best online casinos looking to place their bets.
| When: | Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Big win today, Lakers Fam. Back at it for the rematch Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/z030UMcyiw
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 14, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | +1 -110 | o224.5 -110 | -107 |  |
| Pelicans | -1 -110 | u224.5 -110 | -113 | |
| ||||
The betting odds are tight with the Lakers slightly favored by the oddsmakers. The spread is narrow at just one point, indicating expectations of a closely contested battle. With both teams having shown a tendency to push the total over in recent games, bettors might lean towards expecting a high-scoring affair.
LeBron James (SF) vs. Zion Williamson (PF)
LeBron James kept on to outsmart the father of time, with a total of 70 games and a 25.6 points average per game while he contributed 8.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds. With his great ball control and the balls finding the back of any net, he certainly gives a bad time to any defense. While 3.4 turnover a game is a slight weakness in dealing with pressure which may be among the decisive factors in such an intense match.
Zion Williamson however has been a real threat for the Pelicans contributing 23 point and 5.8 rebounds in 69 of his appearances. He has to be ready for long drives with a sharp reaction to any offensive movement by the Lakers. On the contrary, Williamson’s lower assist-to-turnover rate (assist-to-TO ratio) rather makes him quite vulnerable against James.
The clash between James and Williamson being decisive will be like the heart and soul of this series. With LeBron’s experience and versatility, he might just be able to pull off the leadership role and game management, while Zion’s athleticism and scoring efficiency could cause constant problems for the defense. When they hit the court, their connection can make all the difference to these two sides tied for a win in this one near even game.
Lakers’ Season in Review
The Lakers have once again showed great offensive potential this season with a scoring average of 118 points per game and a very good shooting efficiency from the field (49.8%). The trio has shown strength from outside the arc. Hence, they have played a pivotal role in their scoring. While their 13.4 turnovers per game is a cause for concern, it has worked out for them at times, indicating a facet of concern for them if they are required to play under pressure.
Pelicans’ Tactical Edge
The Pelicans have not been behind also in the offense, having a team average of 115.2pts/game. They have been great thanks to a variety of methods in which they are scoring more baskets compared to the Lakers with fewer turnovers on average. This comprehension of the details might really sway a game that already has minute margins.
Trends
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
Lakers are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
LA Lakers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Lakers are 19-21 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 5 of Lakers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 18 of Lakers’ 41 last games at home
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
Pelicans are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
New Orleans Pelicans are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Pelicans are 23-17 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Pelicans’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 19 of Pelicans’ 39 last games at home
Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis PF Is upgraded to probable Tuesday vs New Orleans, Back
Christian Wood PF Is out indefinitely, Knee
Jarred Vanderbilt SF Is out indefinitely, Foot
Jalen Hood-Schifino SG Is out for season, Back
Team B
No reported injuries
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, there is a really high possibility that this game could finish close to the total, having in mind both sides’ recent stats. The Lakers having LeBron at their helm could prove to be the key amidst a highly stressful environment. Nevertheless, the disciplined play and a little more control on the turnover by the Pelicans make them one of the better teams.
Ultimately, this game might lean slightly towards the Lakers, given their ability to score heavily and LeBron’s playoff experience. Prop bets on LeBron James achieving a double-double might be worth considering given his season averages. For free Play-In Tournament predictions, the Lakers taking a narrow win seems plausible. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Lakers 115, Pelicans 112.
