Tag: New Orleans Pelicans betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Charlotte Hornets at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Charlotte Hornets at New Orleans Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Charlotte Hornets (3-5) wrap up a four-game road trip with a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off against the New Orleans Pelicans (4-4) at the Smoothie King Center. Below, we analyze the Hornets-Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Charlotte snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Atlanta Hawks 102-94 as 6-point road underdogs Wednesday. Hornets newly acquired SF Gordon Hayward had his best game in his early Charlotte tenure, scoring 44 points 15-for-25 shooting with 7 assists.

The Pelicans have lost back-to-back games entering Friday’s contest, both by a single bucket, including a 111-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Jan. 6. New Orleans was a little lazy, getting outscored 27-8 in fast-break points and were terrible from deep, making 4 of 22 threes.

These teams only met once last year—a 115-110 New Orleans victory—and it was way back on Nov. 9, 2019. It’s hard to put any stock into prior head-to-head meetings as both have had a lot of roster turnover.

Hornets at Pelicans: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Hornets +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Pelicans -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Hornets +6.5 (-120) | Pelicans -6.5 (-100)
  • Over/Under: 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Hornets at Pelicans: Key Injuries

Hornets

  • C Cody Zeller (hand) out

Pelicans

  • SG J.J. Redick (knee) questionable

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Hornets at Pelicans: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Hornets 108, Pelicans 104

Money line (ML)

Since I like Charlotte plus the points, I lean HORNETS (+190) for a quarter-unit even though they could be a little tired from four straight games on the road. If it’s one or the other, I’d definitely say take the points with Charlotte.

Against the spread (ATS)

This is as much a bet against the Pelicans as it is a bet on the Hornets, but New Orleans is just laying too many points here. Charlotte has played tougher competition to start the season: The Hornets have played the fourth-toughest schedule and the Pelicans the 16th-toughest (according to Basketball-Reference.com).

Also, Pelicans SG J.J. Redick only played eight minutes against the Thunder after exiting with a bruised knee, and his pending Friday status is important for New Orleans. Outside of Brandon Ingram, no one on the Pelicans is a good shooter, and even Redick is just 24.3% from deep this season. Charlotte has the 13th-best defensive rating in NBA and is fifth in opponent’s 3-point percentage.

These lineups match up very well against one another, and most NBA junkies think Hayward vs. Ingram is a near draw. Plus the Hornets have more depth, especially if Redick is out, and Charlotte’s bench is outscoring New Orleans’ 35.0-24.9 in points per game. In fact, the Pelicans have the lowest-scoring bench in the NBA.

GIMME HORNETS +6.5 (-120) for 1.75 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

Hornets-Pelicans have a combined 5-11 O/U record to start the year, and I think there’s value in fading this New Orleans offense occupied with intriguing talent but only has the 22nd-highest offensive rating. I lean UNDER 217.5 (-105) for a half-unit.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see: 

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (2-4) take on the New Orleans Pelicans (4-3) for the second time in a week and are in the third game of a five-game road trip. Tipoff is at 8:05 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Wednesday night.

Below, we analyze the Thunder-Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Thunder at Pelicans: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Thunder +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Pelicans -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Thunder +8.5 (-110) | Pelicans -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Thunder at Pelicans: Key Injuries

Thunder

  • F Trevor Ariza (not with team) out
  • PG Ty Jerome (ankle) out
  • PF Aleksej Pokusevski (concussion) out

Pelicans

  • G Sindarius Thornwell (health and safety protocols) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Thunder at Pelican: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pelicans 108, Thunder 101

Money line (ML)

The Thunder are in a familiar place, as they have been underdogs in every single game so far this season. They lost 113-80 a week ago Dec. 31 to the Pelicans at home. They actually are 2-1 on the road this season, the same record as the Pelicans at home. New Orleans’ No. 4 scoring defense in the league will lead the way again. Take the PELICANS -375.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Thunder are one game better against the spread than their actual record, and the Pelicans are one game worse. The Pelicans are 1-2 ATS when favored and 1-2 ATS at home. The Thunder will be more competitive than in the last matchup between the two teams, considering they play better on the road than at home. Take the THUNDER +8.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The two teams combined for only 193 in their first matchup. Oklahoma City’s games have gone Over only twice this season. The same applies to the Pelicans. The Thunder have the worst scoring offense and three-point percentage in the league, and the Pelicans are allowing the fourth-fewest points in the league. The two teams combine to average 208 points a game. That will be more or less what I expect from them tonight. Take UNDER 212.5 POINTS (-110).

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Hoops Hype: 

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Indiana Pacers at New Orleans Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Indiana Pacers (4-2) are in the Big Easy Monday to play the New Orleans Pelicans (4-2) at Smoothie King Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Pacers-Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions

The Pacers were upset 106-102 as 9.5-point home favorites by the New York Knicks Saturday. Indiana had a hard time getting easy buckets shooting 40.5% from the field. The Pacers were outscored 56-26 in the paint, and were out-rebounded 60-37.

New Orleans gritted its way past the Toronto Raptors at home. The Pelicans 120-116, as 1-point dogs Saturday. They outrebounded the Raptors 67-46 and shot 20 more free throws. Their leading scorer this season, SF Brandon Ingram, had a game-high 31 points on 8-for-17 field-goal shooting and 11-for-14 from the foul line.

The Pelicans won and covered in both meetings last year: 124-117 as 5-point underdogs in Indiana and 120-98 at home as 1.5-point home favorites.

Pacers at Pelicans: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Pacers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Pelicans -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Pacers +1.5 (-110) | Pelicans -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Pacers at Pelicans: Key Injuries

Pacers

  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out
  • SF T.J. Warren (foot) out

Pelicans

  • None affecting the betting lines.

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Pacers at Pelicans: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pacers 115, Pelicans 108

Money line (ML)

This is a perfect spot to sell-high with the Pelicans and buy-low with the Pacers. The Pelicans’ rebounding edge for the season is scary but aside from their two wins over a Raptors team—whose legitimacy as an Eastern Conference contender is on stand-by—New Orleans has been rolled by the other good teams it played.

Indiana has a higher net rating and a positive net in effective field-goal percentage (.561 offensive eFG% vs. .534 defensive eFG%) whereas New Orleans has a negative net eFG%.

GIMME PACERS (+105) for 1.5 units.

Against the spread (ATS)

PASS ON THE SPREAD. I’ll forgo the measly 1.5 points of Indiana insurance and use my Pacers-Pelicans budget on the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

If you haven’t been paying attention, this Indiana team has mutated its style under first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren. The Pacers are sixth in offensive rating this season (19th in 2019-20) and are up from being dead-last in 3-point rate last season to a modest 18th under Bjorkgren.

Also, I don’t put much stock into New Orleans’ third-ranked defensive rating because three of its opponents (Raptors, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder) are among the least efficient offenses in the NBA.

I’ll TAKE OVER 216.5 (-115) for 1 unit.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Hoops Hype: 

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Toronto Raptors at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Toronto Raptors at New Orleans Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Toronto Raptors (1-3) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (3-2) as slight betting favorites Saturday. Tip-off at Smoothie King Center will be at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Raptors-Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Raptors picked up their first win of the season Thursday by beating the New York Knicks 100-83. The Pelicans dropped the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-80 Thursday. New Orleans beat Toronto 113-99 in the season-opener for both teams Dec. 23.

Raptors at Pelicans: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Raptors -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Pelicans +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Raptors -1.5 (-115) | Pelicans +1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Raptors at Pelicans: Key Injuries

None affecting the betting lines.

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Raptors at Pelicans: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Raptors 115, Pelicans 105

Money line (ML)

The RAPTORS (-120) played their best second half of the season on New Year’s Eve in outscoring the Knicks 58-41 in the final 24 minutes. Toronto continued its strong first-quarter play, as well, in jumping out to a 22-18 lead.

The Pelicans demolished the Thunder on the road before ringing in the New Year. They outscored OKC 28-7 in the fourth quarter to skew the results of a close game through 36 minutes. Oklahoma City shot 37.5% from the floor as a team while New Orleans hit on 48.4% of field-goal attempts.

Toronto led 57-50 at the half in its first game against New Orleans. The Pelicans finished with a 64.4 effective field-goal percentage, including a 19-for-42 performance from 3-point range.

The results of the game restored some betting value in the Raptors. Toronto was a 4-point favorite in the season-opener and should be backed Saturday at more profitable figures.

Against the spread (ATS)

The RAPTORS -1.5 (-115) offer a little more value to win by at least 2 points. The Pelicans’ two losses on the season have been by 13 and 25 points.

Toronto had a much better shooting performance Thursday which saw Gs Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell break out of early-season slumps. Star PF Pascal Siakam was benched amid his lackluster start to the season and should be expected to come out with an inspired effort for head coach Nick Nurse Saturday.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 215.4 (-115) on a low number. Pelicans bigs Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram match up well against Toronto’s frontcourt and should get plenty of easy looks in the paint.

The Pelicans are allowing just 99.2 points per game, but they allowed 111 points in each of their two losses and Toronto should improve on its 99-point performance in the opener after going just 14-for-46 from 3-point range.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

Follow Esten McLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

Toronto Raptors at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Toronto Raptors at New Orleans Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Toronto Raptors (1-3) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (3-2) as slight betting favorites Saturday. Tip-off at Smoothie King Center will be at 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Raptors-Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Raptors picked up their first win of the season Thursday by beating the New York Knicks 100-83. The Pelicans dropped the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-80 Thursday. New Orleans beat Toronto 113-99 in the season-opener for both teams Dec. 23.

Raptors at Pelicans: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Raptors -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Pelicans +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Raptors -1.5 (-115) | Pelicans +1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Raptors at Pelicans: Key Injuries

None affecting the betting lines.

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion.

Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Raptors at Pelicans: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Raptors 115, Pelicans 105

Money line (ML)

The RAPTORS (-120) played their best second half of the season on New Year’s Eve in outscoring the Knicks 58-41 in the final 24 minutes. Toronto continued its strong first-quarter play, as well, in jumping out to a 22-18 lead.

The Pelicans demolished the Thunder on the road before ringing in the New Year. They outscored OKC 28-7 in the fourth quarter to skew the results of a close game through 36 minutes. Oklahoma City shot 37.5% from the floor as a team while New Orleans hit on 48.4% of field-goal attempts.

Toronto led 57-50 at the half in its first game against New Orleans. The Pelicans finished with a 64.4 effective field-goal percentage, including a 19-for-42 performance from 3-point range.

The results of the game restored some betting value in the Raptors. Toronto was a 4-point favorite in the season-opener and should be backed Saturday at more profitable figures.

Against the spread (ATS)

The RAPTORS -1.5 (-115) offer a little more value to win by at least 2 points. The Pelicans’ two losses on the season have been by 13 and 25 points.

Toronto had a much better shooting performance Thursday which saw Gs Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell break out of early-season slumps. Star PF Pascal Siakam was benched amid his lackluster start to the season and should be expected to come out with an inspired effort for head coach Nick Nurse Saturday.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 215.4 (-115) on a low number. Pelicans bigs Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram match up well against Toronto’s frontcourt and should get plenty of easy looks in the paint.

The Pelicans are allowing just 99.2 points per game, but they allowed 111 points in each of their two losses and Toronto should improve on its 99-point performance in the opener after going just 14-for-46 from 3-point range.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also see:

Follow Esten McLaren on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) play the Phoenix Suns (2-1) Tuesday at PHX Arena at 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Pelicans-Suns NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Pelicans at Suns: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Pelicans +215 (bet $100 to win $215) | Suns -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Pelicans +2.5 (-110) | Suns -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Pelicans at Suns: Key Injuries

Pelicans

  • No one that alters the gambling lines

Suns

  • No one that alters the gambling lines

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV.

PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM’s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon – register early for special promotion. Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Pelicans at Suns: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pelicans 116, Suns 111

Money line (ML)

We’re only three games into the NBA season but it’s astounding that Pelicans-Suns is a meeting between the first- and second-best scoring defenses in the NBA.

I do think New Orleans defense is more legitimate at this juncture since they held the San Antonio Spurs below 100 points and gave them their first loss of the season, played the 2019-20 Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat Sunday (111-98 loss) and held the Toronto Raptors to fewer than 100 points Dec. 23.

The Suns played the Sacramento Kings in back-to-back games coming into Tuesday (the Kings were 22nd last season in points per game) and held them to a total of 206 points. They held a Dallas Mavericks team which was No. 1 in offensive rating last season to just 102 points in their first game of the year.

My reasons for having more faith in the Pelicans defense is because starting PG Lonzo Ball is a top defensive guard, who’s ascending whereas Suns PG Chris Paul is 35. New Orleans’ offseason acquisition of elite defensive C Steven Adams is already paying dividends, as well.

Also, there’s a very legitimate argument about who’s the best player in this game between Pelicans SF Brandon Ingram and Suns SG Devin Booker. My preference is Ingram because outside of the top stars of the NBA, no one has Ingram’s offensive versatility. Furthermore, I give Pelicans SG Eric Bledsoe a much better chance of disrupting Booker than Suns SF Mikal Bridges vs. Ingram.

Let’s SPRINKLE on PELICANS (+115) for a quarter-unit with the plan of hitting the spread harder.

Against the spread (ATS)

The bulk of my handicap sits above this section but I have one more little factor to consider: Pelicans-Suns is a Pros vs. Joes spot. According to Pregame.com, 68% of the money is on the Pelicans while 57% of the bets placed are with the Suns.

Generally, the money column is the sharp side and the tickets/bets column is the public money. Let’s follow the money and TAKE PELICANS +2.5 (-110) for 1.5 units before this ticks down even more.

Over/Under (O/U)

Like the ATS market in Pelicans-Suns, this is a Pros vs. Joes situation with the money coming in on the Under but more bets on the Over. I’m torn so I’ll PASS with a slight lean on the Over 221.5 (-110).

I know I just talked about following the money but my feeling is we see some awesome offense between these two organizations that are seemingly getting their ducks in a row.

I doubt the Pelicans’ and Suns’ defensive efficiency will stay as well-rated throughout the season, so I am fine with just playing the Pelicans side and laying off the total.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Hoops Hype: 

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The San Antonio Spurs (2-0) travel to meet the New Orleans Pelicans (1-1) Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. Below, we analyze the Spurs-Pelicans NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Spurs at Pelicans: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Spurs +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Pelicans -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Spurs +4.5 (-105) | Pelicans -4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Spurs at Pelicans: Key Injuries

Spurs

  • PG Derrick White (toe) questionable

Pelicans

  • PF Wenyen Gabriel (knee) out
  • C Will Magnay (personal) questionable

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion. Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Spurs at Pelicans: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pelicans 122, Spurs 111

Money line (ML)

The Pelicans (-200) are just a little too steep for my liking, as I generally set a limit at -180 and stick with it on money lines. Plus, it’s a risky play with the Spurs (+165) rolling in with two wins in their first two games.

PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

The PELICANS -4.5 (-115) are even money at home, and for good reason. They split a pair of road games to open, winning in Toronto on Dec. 23, 113-99, and they fell in Miami by a 111-98 score on Christmas Day. The Spurs +4.5 (-105) might be the perfect opponent for a home opener, as San Antonio is just 8-21 ATS in its last 29 trips to the Crescent City.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 228.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit play despite the fact the Under has hit in the first two games for NOLA. The Over has cashed in both games for San Antonio, and the Over is also 4-1 in the past five meetings in the Big Easy between these two sides. Look for a higher-scoring game on Sunday.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Hoops Hype: 

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

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Chrismas Day’s New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The NBA Christmas 5-game extravaganza tips off with the New Orleans Pelicans (1-0) heading to South Beach to play the Miami Heat (0-1) in the American Airlines Arena at noon ET. Below, we analyze the Pelicans-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Pelicans at Heat: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:02 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Pelicans +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Heat -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Pelicans +3.5 (-110) | Heat -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Pelicans at Heat: Key Injuries

Heat

  • SF Jimmy Butler (ankle) questionable

Special Christmas Day Betting Promotion!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) IF ANY TEAM hits a 3-pointer on December 25th, 2020. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV.

PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM’s risk-free first bet offer! MI residents, BetMGM is coming to your state soon — register early for special promotion. Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Pelicans at Heat: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pelicans 117, Heat 112

Money line (ML)

The Heat were out-scored 34-24 in the fourth quarter of their opening 113-107 loss Wednesday at the Orlando Magic. Miami shot 50.6% from the field but only made seven 3’s after making the sixth-most 3’s per game last season (13.6).

Pelicans All-Star SF Brandon Ingram powered New Orleans to a 113-99 road victory Wednesday vs. the Toronto Raptors. Ingram had a game-high 24 points on 10-for-19 shooting with 9 rebounds and 11 assists, and was instrumental in the Pelicans’ 63-42 second-half performance.

These teams were 1-1 straight up and ATS in last season’s head-to-head series, but the Pelicans were without Ingram, PF Zion Williamson, PG Lonzo Ball and SG J.J. Redick in the 109-94 loss at Miami Nov. 16, 2019.

There are a couple of reasons why the Pelicans are the right side in this spot. First, not only will New Orleans have its All-Star (Ingram) and second-year phenom (Williams), but it has added veterans C Steven Adams and SG Eric Bledsoe into the fold for experience and defense.

The Adams addition in particular could end up being a huge boon for the Pelicans, who were a solid rebounding team last season and could improve to an elite rebounding team this season. Adams showed his worth opening night by clogging up the paint, which helped the Pelicans gain a 45-35 rebounding edge over the Raptors.

Second, the Heat had the third-highest winning percentage at home but the COVID-19 situation and their short turnaround weaken whatever home-court advantage they had. Over the course of the season, Miami is a tricky spot to play because of the vibrant nightlife, which could take away the focus of visiting players.

I don’t expect this to affect a young Pelicans team on Christmas in the COVID-era with New Orleans’ having veteran leadership like Adams and Redick. Williamson isn’t even old enough to drink, yet.

Furthermore, whatever boost the Heat were to get from a traditionally tepid Miami crowd won’t be there because no fans are allowed at Heat games for the foreseeable future.

GIMME PELICANS (+135) for a half-unit.

Against the spread (ATS)

Let’s get a couple of possession worth of insurance and BET PELICANS +3.5 (-110) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

NBA Christmas should start with a shootout with the Heat being an excellent 3-point shooting team that should bounce back from a poor-shooting performance in their first game, and a Pelicans team that is sneaky deep. Miami doesn’t have a lot of size on its roster and that’ll give New Orleans the option to attack the rim and should free up the shooters to hit some 3’s.

Officially, I “LEAN” OVER 224.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit because I’m more confident in the Pelicans to cover the spread.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Hoops Hype

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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