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Game Preview – New Orleans @ LSU
The New Orleans Privateers and LSU Tigers renew their intrastate rivalry Monday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on SEC TV.
LSU (1-0) is looking to build momentum after a commanding 96-60 win over Tarleton State in its season opener. The Tigers’ revamped roster has quickly found chemistry under head coach Matt McMahon, who emphasized how cohesive this group has been despite significant offseason turnover. Four of the team’s six double-digit scorers in that opener were newcomers, while forward Jalen Reed returned after missing most of last season with injury.
New Orleans (2-0) has surprised early, highlighted by a stunning 78-74 road victory over TCU — its first win against a Power Five opponent in nine years. The Privateers followed that up with a dominant exhibition showing versus Southern-New Orleans, posting 115 points and showcasing their improved offensive rhythm. Under second-year head coach Stacy Hollowell, the program looks rejuvenated and aims to continue that momentum against a much deeper LSU lineup.
This in-state matchup carries both rivalry energy and a stylistic contrast: LSU’s structured inside-out attack versus New Orleans’ aggressive pace and perimeter shooting.
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Line Movement and Odds
LSU opened as an 18.5-point favorite, and the line has remained steady entering game day. The total sits at 160.5 points, reflecting expectations of an up-tempo contest. LSU’s moneyline is heavily favored at -3362, while New Orleans offers a +1228 return for bettors seeking value on a high-risk underdog.
Early money has leaned toward LSU on the spread, but sharp bettors have found situational value in New Orleans’ offensive efficiency and strong early-season ATS trends.
| Betting Market | Current Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | LSU -18.5 / New Orleans +18.5 |
| Moneyline | LSU -3362 / New Orleans +1228 |
| Total (O/U) | 160.5 Points |
For bettors interested in understanding totals and large favorites, visit the alternate total points guide and hedge bet breakdown for deeper wagering strategy.
LSU Outlook
The Tigers looked sharp in their opener, both offensively and defensively. LSU shot 70.2% from the floor and 44.4% from three-point range — both elite marks — while holding Tarleton State to 34.8% shooting. Coach McMahon’s roster overhaul appears to have paid immediate dividends, blending freshmen and transfers with returning contributors.
Freshman Max Mackinnon led LSU with 19 points on 85.7% shooting, while veterans Jalen Reed and Michael Nwoko added frontcourt stability with 11 points apiece. Point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. and Mackinnon form the backbone of the new backcourt, combining playmaking instincts with high efficiency.
Defensively, LSU is emphasizing transition defense and ball pressure. The Tigers held Tarleton to 5-for-23 shooting from deep and forced 15 turnovers. The team’s athletic depth — with multiple interchangeable wings — enables McMahon to sustain tempo and disrupt passing lanes.
If LSU maintains its offensive rhythm and defensive consistency, the Tigers have a clear path to a comfortable victory. The challenge lies in sustaining focus against an opponent that plays with pace and confidence.
LSU Injury Report
LSU remains healthy entering this game. Forward Jalen Reed continues to build conditioning after returning from last season’s knee injury but faces no restrictions. The projected starting lineup remains intact.
New Orleans Outlook
The Privateers are playing with newfound confidence under coach Hollowell. Their 2-0 start includes the signature win at TCU — a victory defined by efficient ball movement and perimeter shooting. In that upset, New Orleans shot 52% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range, proving capable of exploiting defensive lapses.
Coleton Benson leads the way offensively, averaging 20 points per game while shooting over 50% from both two- and three-point range. Guard Jakevion Buckley has been instrumental as a floor general, posting 11 points and 13 assists per game. Their ability to stretch the floor and attack mismatches has been central to the team’s early success.
New Orleans ranks top-40 nationally in both field goal percentage (53.6%) and assists (21 per game). Their pace and spacing could create early challenges for LSU’s defensive rotations. However, their undersized frontcourt will be tested against LSU’s athletic bigs.
To stay competitive, the Privateers must continue converting perimeter shots and limit turnovers. LSU’s length could disrupt their half-court sets, so controlling tempo and hitting early looks will be crucial.
New Orleans Injury Report
No injuries are reported. All primary contributors are active.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
This matchup pits LSU’s superior size and defensive structure against New Orleans’ perimeter spacing and ball movement.
For LSU, establishing the interior early is critical. Reed and Nwoko have a clear height advantage inside, and consistent post touches could open the floor for Thomas and Mackinnon on the perimeter. LSU’s efficiency metrics suggest that a disciplined shot profile — inside-first, kick-out-second — maximizes their offensive ceiling.
For New Orleans, staying within striking distance depends on three-point volume and transition pace. The Privateers thrive in motion offense and must turn rebounds and turnovers into quick scores before LSU’s defense sets up. Benson’s shooting rhythm and Buckley’s ball control will dictate whether New Orleans can hang within the number.
For more tactical insights, review the sports betting for beginners and how to bet on NBA games guides, which explain tempo and efficiency models that apply across basketball betting.
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Betting Trends
- LSU is 1-0 ATS and 1-0 straight-up this season.
- New Orleans is 2-0 ATS with one outright upset as an underdog.
- LSU has gone over the total in 4 of its last 6 home games.
- New Orleans is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games as a road underdog.
- The over has hit in four of the last five matchups between these programs.
Bettors studying totals and market adjustments can reference the props guide and winning margin analysis to evaluate point distribution in high-paced matchups.
Prediction
LSU’s offensive depth and home-court comfort make it the clear favorite, but New Orleans’ shooting efficiency and confidence after beating TCU suggest the Privateers can stay competitive. Expect the Tigers to take control in the second half but face enough resistance to make the underdog appealing against the spread.
Projected Score: LSU 95, New Orleans 85
Best Spread Pick: New Orleans +18.5
Total Lean: Under 160.5
For advanced basketball analytics and expert college hoops breakdowns, visit the NBA expert betting guide and NCAAB odds page.
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