New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 12-31-23 NBA Picks

The Los Angeles Lakers need a win after losing 6 of their last 8 games. The New Orleans Pelicans look for a win after splitting their last 6 games. Let’s preview this game and give out a Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction.

Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview 

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Celtics and Timberwolves this week, while beating the Hornets. The Los Angeles Lakers are averaging 114.4 points on 48.5 percent shooting and allowing 114.3 points on 46.4 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 25.1 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Anthony Davis is averaging 24.9 points and 12.3 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Reaves is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Los Angeles Lakers are shooting 35.9 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free throw line. The Los Angeles Lakers are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.8 rebounds per game.

Los Angeles Lakers Team Facts

• The Lakers have lost eight of their last nine road games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
• The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games against Southwest Division opponents.
• Ten of the Lakers’ last 11 road games have gone OVER the total points line.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview 

The New Orleans Pelicans rebounded from losses to the Rockets and Grizzlies with a win over the Jazz. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 115.6 points on 48.2 percent shooting and allowing 113.1 points on 46.3 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram is averaging 23.2 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 22.3 points and 6.2 rebounds. CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 76.3 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 33.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.1 rebounds per game.

New Orleans Pelicans Team Facts

• The road team has won seven of the Pelicans’ last eight games.
• The road team has covered the spread in each of the Pelicans’ last six games.
• Each of the Pelicans’ last six games against the Lakers following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.

Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans are playing the better ball at the moment, and they should have motivation on their side after losing to the Lakers in the tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been good since the tournament, with losses in 6 of their last 8 games, and they’ve failed to cover 6 of their last 10 games. Line is a bit strange, but I’ll still lean toward the Pels at home.