Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Rockets (22-10) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (10-23) Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. We analyze the Rockets-Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Rockets won at home Saturday, beating the Brooklyn Nets 108-98 as G James Harden scored 44 points.

The Pelicans also won at home Saturday, routing the Indiana Pacers 120-98 behind 18 3-pointers and seven players scoring in double figures – led by F Brandon Ingram‘s 24 points.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Rockets at Pelicans: Key injuries

Rockets

  • C Clint Capela (heel) questionable
  • SG Eric Gordon (knee) probable
  • SF Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Nene (groin) out

Pelicans

  • SF Zion Williamson (knee) out

Rockets at Pelicans: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 120, Magic 114

Moneyline (ML)

The Pelicans are on a little hot streak, winning three in row. They should give the Rockets a good challenge, which makes their +145 ML tempting, but I can’t bet against Harden, Russell Westbrook and Co. Thus, HOUSTON (-175) is worth a small bet if you don’t mind laying that kind of juice.

Every $1.75 wagered on the Rockets ML will profit $1 if they win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ROCKETS -3.5 (-115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 2-0 against the Pelicans this season, winning by 3 points at home and 6 points in New Orleans. They’re also 6-1 in their last seven road games with five of those wins by 5 or more points – three were by double digits.

New to sports betting? An $11.50 wager on the Rockets will profit $10 if they win by at least 5 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 228.5 (-115) is the play. Despite just being 6-11 O/U away from home, Houston ranks second in the league with 119.8 points per game away from home. New Orleans averages 113.9 PPG at home. That’s enough to convince me.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 18-9-1. Strongest plays: 9-3.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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=2017]

Zion Williamson is finally dunking again

He’s (almost) baaaaaaack.

It’s been a long time since we last saw Zion Williamson do anything notable while holding a basketball.

He last played in October during the preseason before the Pelicans held him out with a knee injury that, eventually, required surgery to fix.

He was due to be out six to eight weeks after meniscus surgery, but we’re well outside of that window now. The Pelicans are currently working on his kinetic chain to reduce wear and tear on his body.

It looks like all of that rehab is finally starting to pay off,. Williamson was spotted on the practice court for the Pelicans a couple of weeks ago.  On Saturday night, ahead of the Pelicans’ game against the Pacers, the number one pick was spotted dunking again.

And not JUST dunking — throwing down powerful one handed jams.

There was also this one with his right hand.

The Pelicans aren’t putting a date on his return but, hopefully, Williamson could be throwing down in an actual game soon enough. If these dunks are any indication, he’s feeling good.

[jwplayer 8DVvRxMm-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=881465]

Christmas Day Basketball Review

Sports Pulse: What the results from the games on Christmas can mean for the rest of the season.

Sports Pulse: What the results from the games on Christmas can mean for the rest of the season.

New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets Christmas NBA matchup with NBA betting odds, picks and best bets

The New Orleans Pelicans (8-23) and Denver Nuggets (21-8) square off at Pepsi Center in the Mile High City at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the final day on the Christmas slate. We analyze the Pelicans-Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Special Christmas Day NBA Prop Bet

BET $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) IF ANY NBA team playing December 25th, 2019 hits a 3-pointer. Bet now!

Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Pelicans at Nuggets: Key injuries

Pelicans: PF Zion Williamson (knee) is making progress, but he remains out indefinitely.

Nuggets: C Bol Bol (foot) remains out indefinitely.

Pelicans at Nuggets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nuggets 120, Pelicans 99

Moneyline (ML)

The Nuggets (-500) are heavily favored to give the Pelicans a lump of coal on the final game of the Christmas Day schedule. But if you want to keep your stocking full, don’t risk five times your return, and bet the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Nuggets to win outright returns a profit of $2.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NUGGETS (-8.5, -115) are 0-5 ATS in the past five meetings the Pelicans (+8.5, -106), so that might give some trend bettors pause. However, consider the fact the Nuggs have heavy juice, and the books are begging you to take the Pellies at plus-money. That tells you the books want you on NOLA. Be smart and slam the home side. It’s easily winning by double digits.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The total of 220.5 is going to be too close for my liking. I expect the Nuggets to build a gigantic lead into the fourth quarter and then power down. If I had a lean, I’d go ever so slightly under (220.5), but not enough to risk any of my holiday lettuce. Of course, watch the number up to tip-off for any movement.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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]

Lonzo Ball gave Zion Williamson the ultimate rookie treatment during return to practice

Welcome to the league, rook

We have still yet to see Zion Williamson play a minute of regular season basketball for the Pelicans after having surgery on a torn right lateral meniscus.

But it seems like we’re inching closer to Williamson’s debut, finally. The Pelicans tweeted a video of their number one pick at practice just shooting the ball around a bit.

Lonzo Ball made sure to give him a warm welcome back with a block on one of his jump shots. The ultimate troll. A quasi “welcome to the league, rook” moment — at least until he gets back on the basketball court for the real thing.

 

It’s still unclear when he’s coming back. The Pelicans initially ruled him out for six to eight weeks following surgery after October 22. It’s been a full eight weeks without Williamson in a Pelicans jersey, but he’s still not ready to play.

A couple of weeks ago it was reported that Williamson’s return would definitely come outside of that initial window, but it seems that things might be a little closer than we think.

That’s not strenuous activity by any means and he’s still probably a ways away from a return, but it’s still a good sign seeing him back on the basketball court. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too much longer.

Brooklyn Nets at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nets at New Orleans Pelicans sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (14-12) and New Orleans Pelicans (6-21) square off at the Smoothie King Center at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Nets-Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Nets at Pelicans: Key injuries

Nets: PF Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) is out. PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and SG Caris LeVert (thumb) are out at least another week.

Pelicans: SG J.J. Redick (groin) is not expected to play, while PF Zion Williamson (knee) remains out for at least another week or two.

Nets at Pelicans: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 115, Pelicans 104

Moneyline (ML)

The NETS (-139) are coming off an impressive 20-point victory against the Philadelphia 76ers their last time out. They’re worth a look on the road against the skidding Pelicans (+115).

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS (-1.5, -115) carry at 6-2 ATS mark into action across the past eight games overall, and they’re 7-2 ATS in the past nine against teams with a losing overall record. The Pelicans (+1.5, -106) are 1-10-1 ATS across the past 12 games overall, and they’re 0-5 in the past five at SKC.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 230.5 (-115), as the Under has connected in four of the past five for the Nets, while going 5-2 in their past seven as a favorite. The Under is 6-2 in the past eight for the Pellies, too.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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 Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Philadelphia 76ers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The struggling New Orleans Pelicans (6-19) visit the Philadelphia 76ers (19-7) Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Wells Fargo Center. We analyze Pelicans-76ers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Pelicans enter on a 10-game losing streak, most recently dropping a 127-112 decision Wednesday at the Milwaukee Bucks, who were without All-Star F Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The 76ers won a fourth in a row Thursday, handing the Boston Celtics their first home loss of the season as C Joel Embiid tallied 38 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists in a 115-109 victory.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Pelicans at 76ers: Key injuries

Pelicans

  • PF Derrick Favors (personal) questionable
  • SF Darius Miller (Achilles) out
  • PF Zion Williamson (knee) out

76ers

  • C Al Horford (knee, hamstring) questionable

Pelicans at 76ers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12 p.m. ET.

Prediction

76ers 122, Pelicans 111

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ers (-304) are NOT losing this one – they’re 13-0 at home – but the price is too chalky. One must wager $3.04 just to win $1 with a Philly win. The Pelicans (+240) offer a 2.4-to-1 payoff if they win, but I wouldn’t count on it. I can’t justify suggesting to wager on such a big favorite here, so this is a PASS. However, I’m personally willing to take the risk and am backing the 76ers at the window.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The 76ERS (-7.5, +100) are worth a small wager to win by at least 8 points – it would be a stronger play if Philly hadn’t played Thursday night. The 76ers are only 12-12 ATS this season overall and 7-5-1 ATS at home, while the Pelicans (+7.5, -121) are last in the NBA with a 3-9 ATS record on the road – they rank second to last with a 9-16 ATS record overall.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 224.5 (+105) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The Pelicans give up the second-most points in the NBA at 119.8 per game. Even though the 76ers defense ranks third in allowing just 103.7 PPG, expect fatigue (from playing the night before in a big rivalry game) to be a factor in the second half.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s NBA record: 10-5. Strongest plays: 5-2.

December record (all sports): 5-1. Strongest plays: 3-0.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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=2017]

Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Pelicans sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets

The Detroit Pistons (9-14) visit the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (6-17) Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. We analyze Pistons-Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Pistons beat the visiting Pacers 108-101 Friday. PF Blake Griffin, whose 3-pointer broke a tie with 41 seconds left, finished with 25 points, while C Andre Drummond added 25 points and 22 rebounds.

The Pelicans lost their eighth in a row Saturday, suffering their largest margin of defeat of the season in getting smoked at Dallas by 46 points (130-84). The 84 points was also the Pels’ lowest point total of the season.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Pistons at Pelicans: Key injuries

Pistons

  • PG Reggie Jackson (back) out
  • SG Khyri Thomas (foot) out

Pelicans

  • PF Derrick Favors (personal) questionable
  • SF Darius Miller (Achilles) out
  • PF Zion Williamson (knee) out

Pistons at Pelicans: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Monday at 12:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Pistons 113, Pelicans 107

Moneyline (ML)

DETROIT (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. This game is basically a pick ’em. Every $1.06 wagered would profit a $1 if the Pistons win. New Orleans (-115) is 4-8 at home and every $1.15 wagered would profit $1 with a Pelicans win. While the Pistons are only 2-9 on the road, I like the trend of Pelicans’ current eight-game losing streak.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I’m PASSING since I’m backing the Pistons ML. If you prefer to play the spread, the Pistons are +1.5 (-115). In this proposition, the Pistons can lose by a point and you still win your wager. However, you have to bet $1.15 for every $1 you want to profit. Neither team has been good ATS this season. The Pistons are 9-13-1 ATS, while the Pelicans are 9-14. Even worse, the Pistons are 2-8-1 ATS the spread on the road, ranking last in the NBA. The Pelicans are a more respectable 6-6 ATS at home, but it’s hard to back a team on an eight-game skid.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 224.5 (+105) is worth a small wager, but wait until mid-afternoon. I believe this number is going to move higher. The Pistons average 108.7 points per game; the Pelicans average 113.2 PPG. After getting boat-raced by 46 points at Dallas, New Orleans – 11-12 O/U on the season – should be a little more focused on the defensive side of things.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s NBA record: 6-5. Strongest NBA plays: 3-2.

2019 record (all sports): 226-199-4. Strongest plays: 94-83.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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]

Trail Blazers-Pelicans odds: Portland favored vs. banged-up New Orleans

Previewing Tuesday’s Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Portland Trail Blazers (5-9) and New Orleans Pelicans (4-9) get together at the Smoothie King Center at 8 p.m. ET in the Crescent City. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.


Trail Blazers at Pelicans: Key injuries

Trail Blazers: PF Pau Gasol (foot) is out indefinitely.

Pelicans: PG Frank Jackson (neck), SF Brandon Ingram (knee) and PG Lonzo Ball (groin) are listed as questionable, while C Jahlil Okafor (ankle) is considered doubtful. SG Josh Hart (knee) and PF Derrick Favors (back) have also been ruled out.

Trail Blazers at Pelicans: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Trail Blazers 114, Pelicans 103

Moneyline (ML)

The TRAIL BLAZERS (-154) were embarrassed against the Houston Rockets Monday night by a 132-108 score, but they’ll have a much better time of it against the struggling and banged-up Pelicans (+145).

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on a Portland win profits $0.65 if the Blazers prevail. (Ex: Bet $10 to win $6.50, $20 to win $13, $15.38 to win $10).

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Roll with the TRAIL BLAZERS (-3.5, –105), despite the fact they’re 1-4 against the spread in the past five road games and 2-7 ATS in the past nine in the second end of a back-to-back. They have reinforcements, as veteran Carmelo Anthony joins the squad.

The trends point to picking the Pelicans (+3.5, -106), but they’re just too banged up. They could be playing with a short bench, and that’s never a good thing.

Over/under (O/U)

The UNDER 230.5 (+105) is worth a look. Portland might have tired legs after just playing the night before in Houston, while New Orleans has some injury woes and they’ll be stretched thin, too. So their offense won’t exactly be on point, either. I love the Under in this one among all plays.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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]