New Orleans Pelicans (19-43) vs. LA Lakers (36-24)
March 3, 2026 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: LA Lakers -8.5; Over/Under: 238.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers collide at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night. Here’s a Lakers vs. Pelicans prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs. Pelicans pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have been in fine form as they’ve won six of their last nine games overall but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after having their four-game win streak halted by the Clippers in a 137-117 road defeat on Sunday. Jeremiah Fears led the team with 28 points on 10 of 15 shooting off the bench; Derik Queen added 19 points; Dejounte Murray scored 17 points with five assists, while Trey Murphy III chipped in with 16 points. As a team, the Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field and 12 of 33 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 70 points in the first half to keep pace with the Clippers, but they couldn’t maintain that pace in the second half once the turnovers started to creep in. Yves Missi had a quiet game of just nine points off the bench, while Herbert Jones scored just two points on one of six shots.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been at their best lately as they’ve lost five of their last nine games overall, but they will be gunning for a third straight victory after making light work of the slumping Kings in a 128-104 win on Sunday. Luka Doncic led the team with 28 points and nine assists on 10 of 16 shooting; LeBron James added 24 points with five assists, while Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton each scored 12 points. As a team, the Lakers shot 50 percent from the field and 18 of 39 from the 3-point line as they took control of the contest right away with a 36-18 first quarter push and they kept their foot on the gas right till the final buzzer to come away with the comfortable win and cover at home.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 12 games at Crypto.com Arena against Lakers teams that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have won each of their last 12 games against Southwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games at Crypto.com Arena against Laker teams that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last six Tuesday games against teams that held a losing record.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won three of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last six road games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in 11 of their last 12 home games following a home win.
Total Points: Facts
- Seven of the Lakers’ last eight games as home favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Pelicans’ last eight games as underdogs following a road loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Dončić ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (32.5) this season.
- Luke Kennard ranks 1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (49.4) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Dejounte Murray has made the equal-most free-throws without a miss (11) of any player in the league this season.
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.7).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (49.9%).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from an HT deficit this season—trailing by 22 points vs. the Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (3208) this season.
Lakers vs Pelicans Prediction
The Pelicans are keeping an eye on Zion Williamson, who is questionable with an ankle sprain, while the Lakers are coming into this contest with a full squad. These teams have already clashed three times this season, with the Lakers winning on each occasion so it’s no surprise to see the Lakers open as heavy favorites at home, especially given that they have everyone fit and available. It’s hard to picture anything but another win for the Lakers in this matchup, but the Pelicans were riding a four-game win streak before their latest defeat and I think they can make this a contest and keep this one relatively close at the end.
