The Brooklyn Nets (8-4) travel to Smoothie King Center Friday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (1-11). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Nets at Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Nets, led by former MVPs G James Harden and F Kevin Durant, have won 6 of their last 7 after a slow start to the season. Brooklyn has had high expectations set on it this season as preseason champion favorites, and it’ll look to avoid disappointment on the road Friday.
The Pelicans are hoping to get SF Brandon Ingram back, but their other star, F Zion Williamson, will still be out. Those two carry much of the offensive load, and their playoff aspirations have been shattered by Williamson’s inability to get on the court. They’ll be heavy underdogs in this one.
Nets at Pelicans odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Nets -475 (bet $475 to win $100) | Pelicans +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nets -8.5 (-108) | Pelicans +8.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Nets at Pelicans key injuries
Nets
- PG Kyrie Irving (personal) out
Home
- PF Zion Williamson (foot) out
- SF Brandon Ingram (hip) questionable
Nets at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 116, Pelicans 102
Money line
PASS on the money line. The Pelicans still have some talented players like G Josh Hart and G Devonte’ Graham, but I don’t anticipate them winning.
Although the Nets are likely the right side I would never dream of betting a -475 spread in a regular-season NBA game. The value just isn’t there.
Against the spread
BET on the NETS -8.5 (-108). They’re just the more talented side, and the Pelicans don’t really have a player that can competently guard Durant.
New Orleans is 29th in defensive rating, so Brooklyn should be able to eat it alive. Both G Joe Harris and F LaMarcus Aldridge should be able to nicely complement the MVPs in this game.
The Pelicans also rank bottom five in offensive rating. They just aren’t a competent team without Williamson and Ingram, who seems likely to sit out Friday.
They’ve lost four of their last five games by double figures and lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder by 8. That’s not a good look. Given the Pelicans’ recent play against that of the surging Nets, I’m backing Brooklyn in this one.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 215.5 (-107) as the Nets should be able to put up some points in this. With Graham, Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the Pelicans backcourt, both teams can score.
These teams rank 11th and 16th in pace as well which bodes well for a low total like 215.5. Both team also rank outside the top third in opponents’ free throw rate, so there could be some easy points scored.
The Nets have topped 115 points in four of their last six outings. They’re playing well offensively, and that trend should continue.
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