New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (2/9/24)
The New Orleans Pelicans (30-21) travel to face Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers (27-26) this Friday (2/9/24). Get Pelicans vs. Lakers moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
For the prop to hit, there must be at least two made threes by the time the game clock strikes 8:59 in the first quarter.
New Orleans allows the most three-point attempts per game, the fourth most wide open three-point attempts per game, and the fourth fewest field goal attempts within eight feet of the basket per game (via NBA.com). Opponents are absolutely shredding them from deep but fail to attack the rim at a high rate.
The same is true of Los Angeles’ defense. They give up the fifth most three-point attempts per game, the most wide open three-point attempts per game, and the ninth fewest field goal attempts within eight feet of the basket per game. Anthony Davis is a massive deterrent on the backline who will persuade New Orleans to adopt a jump shot heavy offense tonight.
Both teams struggle mightily to defend the arc, but can the offenses capitalize? They each rank bottom six in three-point attempt rate, which is why the line is plus money despite the atrocious three-point defenses involved. However, there are plenty of capable three-point shooters here that can convert their opportunities.
- CJ McCollum (43.7%)
- D’Angelo Russell (41.6%)
- Herb Jones (39.8%)
- LeBron James (38.8%)
- Rui Hachimura (38.3%)
- Brandon Ingram (36.6%)
- Austin Reaves (35.3%)
Overall, snagging plus money considering the involved defenses and numerous efficient shooters is a solid bet for this matchup.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: 2 or More 3PM in the First 3 Minutes (+108 FD)
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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Best Odds
The visiting Pelicans are slight 1.5 point favorites; they own a 14-13 record against the spread as favorites. Meanwhile, the Lakers are 11-12 against the spread as underdogs and a ghastly 1-7 against the spread on no rest.
For Los Angeles’ +110 moneyline to be profitable in the long run, they need to win this game at least 47 percent of the time.
New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineup
PG: CJ McCollum
SG: Herb Jones
SF: Brandon Ingram
PF: Zion Williamson
C: Jonas Valanciunas
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Rui Hachimura
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injuries
Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas, and Naji Marshall all hold questionable tags. On the other side, D’Angelo Russell and Max Christie have the same status, while Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent remain sidelined.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Key Matchups
Injuries
Zion Williamson is a non-shooter who provides zero spacing, so he offers no upside for this prop. However, Trey Murphy III is a dynamic outside shooter with the chops to get red-hot from deep. If Williamson cannot play and Murphy III subsequently gets the nod, then the prop’s chances of hitting drastically increase.
Additionally, D’Angelo Russell may not play tonight. He owns a 41.6 three-point percentage this season and would be the second most efficient shooter on the court behind only CJ McCollum. If Russell suits up, it would be a boon for the prop.
