New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers 2/15/2023 Odds, Game Analysis and Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Crypto.com Arena in an upcoming Western Conference game this Wednesday. Currently sitting in the 13th seed, the Lakers hold a 26-32 record and are looking to bounce back from a 127-115 loss to Portland on Monday, as they continue to deal with injuries to key players. The team’s superstar, LeBron James, has missed three consecutive games due to an ankle injury, which made it difficult to combat Damian Lillard’s 40-point performance. Nevertheless, newcomers Malik Beasley and D’Angelo Russell contributed solidly to the Lakers’ effort with 22 and 16 points, respectively.
With post-trade deadline roster changes, head coach Darvin Ham will need to figure out how to optimize his new lineup. James is expected to play this game as the Lakers aim to improve their ranking in the conference. One solution for Ham could be to start Beasley, who showed his prowess as a three-point shooter, and is already considered the team’s best in this area. The Lakers play a fast-paced game, which can be a formidable weapon when they are at full strength.
The Pelicans, who currently hold the 7th seed, are looking to build momentum after a narrow 103-100 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Brandon Ingram led the team with an impressive 34 points, his best performance since returning from an injury in November. Ingram’s recent scoring surge is particularly important for the team, considering that their star player, Zion Williamson, will miss multiple weeks. If both Ingram and McCollum, who is a game-time decision, are at their best, the Pelicans can remain competitive and maintain their place among the top seeds in the Western Conference. The team prefers a slower half-court style, which allows their star scorers to thrive.
- The New Orleans Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 matches with the LA Lakers.
- The Pelicans are 4-1 SU in their last 5 outings against the Los Angeles Lakers.
- New Orleans is 1-6 SU in their last 7 road games.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers 2/15/2023 Odds, Game Analysis and Picks
The struggling Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena this Wednesday. LA has a disappointing record of 26-32 and are currently languishing at the thirteenth spot of the West. In their last outing, they suffered a 127-115 defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers, with LeBron James sitting out his third consecutive game due to an ankle injury. The Lakers’ inability to contain Damian Lillard’s 40-point game highlighted their need for more star power. However, some of their newcomers showed promise, with Malik Beasley scoring 22 points in just 21 minutes, including 6-12 from beyond the arc, and D’Angelo Russell adding 16 points and 4 assists.
The playoffs are fast approaching and Lakers’ assistant coach Darvin Ham has his work cut out for him in reinvigorating the team after the trade deadline. While LeBron is expected to play in this crucial game, the Lakers’ playoff hopes may hang by a thread if they don’t start winning soon. Ham might want to consider starting Malik Beasley, their most reliable three-point shooter, to inject some energy into the team. With a fully healthy squad, the Lakers can be a force to be reckoned with, using their fast-paced game to overpower opponents.
- The total remained UNDER in 4 of the Lakers’ last 6 contests with the Pelicans.
- The LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games at home.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of the Lakers’ last 5 home games with New Orleans.
New Orleans vs Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA pick for this match is the Los Angeles Lakers. With their roster now bolstered by the trades Rob Pelinka made last week, the Lakers are expected to have the upper hand in this game, particularly since New Orleans has been plagued by injuries and has struggled to field a consistent lineup. LeBron James’ return is a much-needed boost for the team, which is eager to secure a victory on their home court. The Lakers’ fast-paced style of play will likely put the Pelicans on the defensive, setting the stage for a high-scoring game. In the end, the prediction is that the Lakers will emerge victorious with a 121-113 win.
NBA Starting Time: 10:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Crypto.com Arena
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -3
NBA Totals: 233.5