A 7-seed vs. 8-seed matchup in the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament has the New Orleans Pelicans hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Heading into this contest, the Lakers have had the upper hand against the Pelicans as during the regular season, Los Angeles won three of the four matchups. On April 14, the Lakers defeated the Pelicans 124-108 in New Orleans. Anthony Davis (back) is questionable for the Lakers.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Pelicans are 1-point favorites in the latest Lakers vs. Pelicans odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 224.5. Before making any Pelicans vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer simulation model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 88-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,600. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Pelicans and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pelicans vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Pelicans spread: Lakers +1
- Lakers vs. Pelicans over/under: 224.5 points
- Lakers vs. Pelicans money line: Lakers -108, Pelicans -111
- LAL: 39-44 ATS this season
- NOP: 44-36 ATS this season
- Lakers vs. Pelicans picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Lakers can cover
Center Davis (back) is questionable for this battle. Davis injured himself in the final moments of Sunday's contest but you figure he would give it a shot in this game. The Kentucky product is such an elite two-way threat as he defends the paint due to his long arms and instincts and can also score from the perimeter or around the rim. He averages 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
In Sunday's win, Davis had 30 points and 11 boards. Meanwhile, guard Austin Reaves gives Los Angeles another ball handler. Reeves scans the floor as a playmaker while having the skill set to get a bucket from all three levels. He logs 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. He totaled 20-plus points in two of his last three games. See who to back at SportsLine.
Why the Pelicans can cover
Forward Zion Williamson continues to be a barreling force in the frontcourt. Williamson can soar above the rim with ease and has a nifty left-handed finish. The 2019 first-overall pick can be unstoppable when he gets a full head of steam in transition. He averages 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and five assists per contest. On April 11 against the Kings, Williamson notched 31 points, four boards and six assists.
Forward Brandon Ingram returned from a knee injury recently but is still a dependable scorer. Ingram has been a high-level scorer in his career and constantly hits shots off the dribble. The 26-year-old owns a high release, making it hard for defenders to contest his jumpers. He averages 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. On March 16 versus the Trail Blazers, Ingram had 22 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make Pelicans vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 221 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. You can only get the model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Pelicans, and which side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that's 88-58 on top-rated NBA picks this season, and find out.
