Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Can CJ McCollum, Pelicans Put Up Points in NBA Play-In?
The Los Angeles Lakers are in New Orleans taking on the Pelicans in the NBA Play-In game for the Western Conference. Can CJ McCollum and Pelicans put up points tonight? Hollywood Picks shares his Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction.
Hollywood Picks
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Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: Can CJ McCollum, Pelicans Put Up Points in NBA Play-In?
Today the Los Angeles Lakers travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans in the playoff play-in. These two teams just squared off on Sunday, where the Lakers won comfortably, but I see this being a much closer game.
Lakers vs. Pelicans DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: April 16, 2024
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: TNT
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
Today is the first day for the NBA Play-In tournament to get into the NBA Playoffs. I can see why they set this total so low today, both of these teams are generally good at limiting easy shots, good in the paint, good at defensive rebounding and much more.
Yet, these teams have played one another four times this season (all since December 2023) and the totals have been 222, 238, 261, and 232. None of these games went into overtime either. The obvious theory is that given given the fantastic offensive players on both sides the field goal percentage remains high no matter how good the defense.
However, the Pelicans have struggled at limiting rim shots against the Lakers on Sunday, and they might focus on stopping that tomorrow but that could lead to an increased three point threat. Additionally, the Pelicans found it hard to get their offense going in this last game, and with Brandon Ingram getting back in the action, I would expect that to improve.
With the Lakers its Anthony Davis and and LeBron James supported by D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reeves who can be deadly from threes on their night. For the Pelicans they move the ball extremely well, and are very difficult to defend because they have elite three point shooters including CJ McCollum plus Zion Williamson in the paint and Brandon Ingram returning to boost this offense. I will be taking the over today and I believe this line is set way too low for these high powered teams.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Pick
Over 223.5 Points (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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