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Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night at Smoothie King Center in NBA Cup West Group B play. Los Angeles is 8-4 but coming off a blowout loss to Oklahoma City, while New Orleans sits at 2-9 and continues to battle injuries. Bettors will weigh the Lakers’ efficiency against the Pelicans’ shorthanded roster.
Line Movement and Odds
- Lakers Spread: -10.5 (-108)
- Pelicans Spread: +10.5 (-113)
- Lakers MoneyLine: -491
- Pelicans MoneyLine: +371
- Total: 229.5
Los Angeles opened as a double-digit favorite, reflecting their offensive efficiency and New Orleans’ struggles. See full NBA odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Los Angeles Lakers Outlook
The Lakers rank 3rd in FG% (50.4%) and 1st in two-point shooting (61.0%). Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves combined for just 32 points in their loss to OKC, highlighting turnover issues. Los Angeles has shown resilience on the road and remains motivated to prove they can contend.
New Orleans Pelicans Outlook
The Pelicans dropped their third straight, falling 125-117 to Portland. Rookie Derik Queen scored 26 off the bench, while Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy combined for 47. New Orleans leads the league in blocks and ranks 2nd in limiting opponent two-point attempts, but injuries continue to limit their ceiling.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Lakers must protect the ball and leverage their efficiency inside the arc. If Dončić and Reaves regain rhythm, Los Angeles can exploit New Orleans’ thin rotation. The Pelicans need Queen, Bey, and Murphy to sustain scoring while their defense limits paint touches.
Injuries / Availability
Los Angeles continues without LeBron James (sciatica), though he is nearing a return. Adou Thiero is close to debuting. For full player status, check the Lakers injury report.
New Orleans lists Zion Williamson (hamstring) as out despite progress in practice, Jordan Poole (knee) sidelined, and Dejounte Murray (Achilles) likely out until January. These absences significantly impact the Pelicans’ offensive ceiling. See the Pelicans injury page for latest updates.
Environment
The game tips at Smoothie King Center, where New Orleans is 1-4 at home. Los Angeles is 4-3 on the road and playing its third game of a five-game trip. Expect pace to favor the Lakers, while the Pelicans’ defensive scheme may slow interior scoring.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Lakers 122, Pelicans 109
- Best Bet: Lakers -10.5
Los Angeles’ efficiency and New Orleans’ injuries point to a comfortable cover. - Total: Over 229.5
Both defenses allow high scoring, and our model projects 231 points.
Expect the Lakers to bounce back with Dončić and Reaves leading the way, while the Pelicans’ shorthanded roster struggles to keep pace.
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