New Orleans Pelicans vs Toronto Raptors: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/23/23)
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The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Toronto Raptors to start the season back up. The Pelicans lost to the Lakers just before the All-Star break in a blowout the Lakers, while the Raptors beat the Magic comfortably before the break. This is an interesting game because both of these teams are trying to make late season pushes to get better seeds in the playoff standings. let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors Prediction
The pick: Toronto Raptors -4
Toronto decided to keep their core together and will keep it together till at least the end of the year and see how far they can take it into the playoffs.
Pascal Siakam has been great for the Raptors this year. He’s done it all and leads the team in scoring and rebounds per game for the season. Fred VanVleet has been very good as a starting point guard for the Raptors this year. He also leads the Raptors in assists per game for the season. Gary Trent Jr. has been the most consistent three-point shooter for the Raptors and O.G. Anunoby has been the most consistent defender for the Raptors and leads the team in steals per game for the season.
As a team, the Raptors excel more on defense than on offense. They’re top-10 in points allowed and top five in blocks per game for season at 5.3.
On the other side, the Pelicans have struggled recently, especially without Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram has stepped up a lot and leads the team in scoring without Zion Williamson. C.J. McCollum also has stepped up really well and leads the team in assists. Jonas Valanciunas leads the team in rebounds and Trey Murphy III has been playing well too.
As a team, the Pelicans excel more on offense than on defense. They are top-12 in points scored, field goal percentage, and point differential. They are also top-10 in rebounds per game for the season.
The Raptors are the play here because it’s hard to trust the Pelicans without Zion Williamson. The Raptors are healthier and are at home. They should beat the Pelicans in this spot after coming back from the all-star break.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
The Toronto Raptors are 4-point home favorites against the New Orleans Pelicans and are at -175 on the money line. The over/under is also at 226. Toronto being favored here makes sense because they’re the home team and the Pelicans are also still missing Zion Williamson. The over/under also makes sense because both teams can really score, but Toronto is better defensively. This spread should stay where it’s at before tip-off too.
Betting Trends
Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Raptors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Key Matchups
Can Trey Murphy III matchup with Pascal Siakam? Can O.G. Anunoby matchup with Brandon Ingram?
Pascal Siakam vs. Trey Murphy III
Pascal Siakam has been great for the Raptors this year. He averages 25 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Trey Murphy III most of the game, who averages 13 points, 1 assist, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. Siakam is a huge x-factor because can do everything well. Murphy is a decent defender, but this will be a huge matchup for him because of how good Siakam is across the board.
Brandon Ingram vs. O.G. Anunoby
Brandon Ingram has been great for the Pelicans this year. He averages 22 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against O.G. Anunoby most of the game, who averages 17 points, 2 assist, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Ingram has taken up most of the offensive workload without Zion, but Anunoby is a very good defender. This should be a big matchup because if either one gets the better then their team is in a big position to win.
New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineup
PG: CJ McCollum
SG: Brandon Ingram
SF: Herbert Jones
PF: Trey Murphy III
C: Jonas Valanciunas
Toronto Raptors Starting Lineups
PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Scottie Barnes
SF: Pascal Siakam
PF: Precious Achiuwa
C: Jakob Poetl
Key Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans Injuries: PF Zion Williamson (Hamstring) O, PF Larry Nance Jr. (Groin) Q
Toronto Raptors Injuries: SF O.G. Anunoby (Wrist) Q, SG Gary Trent Jr. (Calf) Q
