Wednesday night ESPN will televise the Lakers hosting the Pelicans. Once upon a time, that would have been appointment television. At least, that was the original vision. To illuminate, Zion Williamson may become one of history’s great NBA Draft busts. Williamson’s inability to stay healthy has become an NBA betting albatross for New Orleans. The man charged with saving the franchise struggles with weight issues. In turn, the weight factor contributes to Williamson not answering the bell. Speaking of injuries, the aging LeBron James is struggling to stay in the Laker lineup.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 10 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | +4 (-110) | 234½ (-110) | +145 |  |
| Lakers | -4 (-110) | 234½ (-110) | -165 | |
| ||||
Pelicans at Lakers SBG Odds Overview
On the whole, sportsbook action will be split evenly between these teams. New Orleans may get some action from bargain hunters. Naturally, squares will prefer the name brand Lakers and LeBron James. James should be able to play in this game. But the Lakers are no longer at a championship level. Of major concern is that the Lakers and Pelicans are both in the red this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
The New Orleans Pelicans are 29-28 straight up, 27-30 against the spread, and 32-25 over/under the total. Late on, New Orleans has covered three out of their last four games. At the same time, the Pelicans have gone over the total in three of its previous four matchups. Concurrently, New Orleans is 7th in the Western Conference playoff standings. The Pelicans are ten games behind the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoff race.
New Orleans has NBA metrics of 11th for scoring offense, 11th for field goal percentage, 18th for 3-point field goal percentage, 17th for free throw percentage, and 9th for offensive rebounding.
In comparison on defense, the Pelicans have NBA metrics of 16th for scoring defense, 18th for field goal percentage permitted, 1st for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 5th for defensive rebounding.
First among New Orleans scorers is Zion Williamson, with 26.0 per game. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum will have to pick up the slack. Both are averaging 21 points per game.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers are 26-31 straight up, 26-30-1 against the spread, and 30-27 over/under the NBA betting total. Late on, Los Angeles has covered one out of their last five games. In comparison, the Lakers have gone under the total in three of its previous five matchups. Concurrently, Los Angeles is 13th in the Western Conference playoff standings. LA is two games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the final play-in spot.
Los Angeles has NBA metrics of 7th for scoring offense, 9th for field goal percentage, 26th for 3-point field goal percentage, 18th for free throw percentage, and 5th for offensive rebounding.
In comparison on defense, the Lakers have NBA metrics of 27th for scoring defense, 15th for field goal percentage permitted, 2nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 27th for defensive rebounding.
First among Los Angeles scorers is LeBron James, with 30.2 points per game.
Pelicans at Lakers SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Lakers will be overpriced. Cause by Williamson being out of the lineup for New Orleans. Additionally, James and the Lakers remain a huge name brand.
Pelicans at Lakers SBG Best Bet: New Orleans Pelicans.