The tightly packed Western Conference has the Los Angeles Lakers (33-35) and the New Orleans Pelicans (33-35) squaring off on Tuesday evening. This is the final regular season matchup between these clubs, with Los Angeles owning a 2-1 margin. The Lakers are currently the ninth seed with New Orleans right behind them in the 10th spot. Brandon Ingram (ankle) is questionable for New Orleans, while Anthony Davis (foot) is probable for the Lakers. Both LeBron James (foot) and Zion Williamson (hamstring) remain out.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Caesars Sportsbook lists New Orleans as a 1-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Pelicans odds. The over/under for total points is set at 226. Before making any Pelicans vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 22 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 64-33 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,700. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Pelicans and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pelicans vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Pelicans spread: Los Angeles +1
- Lakers vs. Pelicans Over-Under: 226 points
- Lakers vs. Pelicans money line: Los Angeles -110, New Orleans -110
- NO: Under is 6-1 in the Pelicans' last 7 overall
- LAL: Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight-up loss
- Lakers vs. Pelicans picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Lakers can cover
Guard Dennis Schroder is a phenomenal scoring option off the bench. Schroder is a quick and fast-paced player who uses his speed as an advantage, and he loves getting into the lane and dumping the ball off. The 29-year-old is averaging 12.8 points and 4.7 assists per game. On Mar. 10 against Toronto, Schroder tallied 23 points, seven assists, and four steals.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt is a superb two-way beast in the frontcourt. Vanderbilt owns an outstanding wingspan to combine with his instincts to make plays on the defensive end. The Kentucky product averages 8.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. On Mar. 5, Vanderbilt notched 10 points and 13 rebounds against the Warriors.
Why the Pelicans can cover
Guard CJ McCollum has a reliable and smooth jumper. McCollum knows how to create space to get clean looks to score or dish the rock, and the Lehigh product is putting up 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per contest. He has scored at least 22 points with four 3-pointers in three straight games. On Mar. 8 against Dallas, McCollum had 32 points, five assists, and went 6-of-8 from deep.
Center Jonas Valanciunas is an active force who constantly fights for positioning in the paint to snag boards and efficient looks at the rim. The 2011 first-round pick averages 14 points, 9.6 rebounds, and shoots 55% from the field. In his previous game, he had 11 points and 12 rebounds against Portland.
How to make Lakers vs. Pelicans picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 239 points. The model also says one side hits almost 70% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who Lakers vs. Pelicans? And which side hits almost 70% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
