New Orleans Pelicans at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and predictions

The Brooklyn Nets welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Barclays Center Wednesday. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Nets odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.

With G Ben Simmons set to play for Brooklyn along with G Kyrie Irving and F Kevin Durant, expectations are high within the Nets organization. The Nets were bounced by the Celtics last postseason in a 4-game sweep. The chemistry clearly wasn’t there, and that’s what they’ll try to build starting Wednesday.

The Pelicans welcome back F Zion Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. Williamson averaged 27 points per game in 61 games in 2021. F Brandon Ingram and G CJ McCollum also highlight the Pelicans roster, one with playoff expectations this season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Pelicans at Nets odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:56 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Nets -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +3.5 (-103) | Nets -3.5 (-117)
Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Pelicans at Nets key injuries

Pelicans

C Jaxson Hayes (elbow) questionable

Nets

G Seth Curry (ankle) out
G Joe Harris (foot) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Pelicans at Nets picks and predictions

Prediction

Pelicans 114, Nets 112

Moneyline

SPRINKLE PELICANS (+120).

The Pelicans have an absurdly-lengthy starting lineup, and that should give the Nets some problems. That also doesn’t take away much from their perimeter defense.

F Herb Jones proved to be one of the best defenders in the NBA last season, and he’s 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan. There’s no slowing F Kevin Durant, but Jones should be able to do enough to aggravate the former MVP.

Expect the Pelicans, with experience, chemistry, and size to be able to compete well on both ends of the court.

Against the spread

BET PELICANS +3.5 (-103).

Sure, the Nets have the big-name skill players, but the chemistry isn’t there. On top of that, the extra opportunities are all on the Pelicans’ side right now.

Getting Williamson back should aid their rebounding, and they were already No. 4 in the NBA in offensive rebounding rate. With C Jonas Valanciunas on the roster and still a big part of that rebounding success rate, there’s no reason to think Williamson won’t have a huge impact.

Without a healthy center and already the worst team in defensive rebounding rate last season, expect the Nets to allow extra opportunities that keep this game close and potentially make them 0-1 to start the season.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 230.5 (-112).

The Pelicans length is going to give the Nets some issues offensively, and without Curry and Harris, spacing should be a real concern.

While Simmons may not bring the chemistry, he is a former Defensive Player of the Year candidate and should be able to lock down Ingram who is poised to be the Pelicans’ top offensive option.

Also, both teams ranked in the outside of the top 15 in turnover rate last season, so there could be sloppy play as well that helps slow the game down.

Want action on this NBA game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]