NBA : New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds & Prediction

Game Info: March 4, 2025 10:30PM EST @ Crypto.com Arena

Two teams going in different directions meet in a Western Conference clash: the Lakers are on a winning streak and are playing excellently on both ends of the floor; the Pelicans have been all over the place yet managed to grab some important wins. Historically, Los Angeles has owned this matchup, and with the offense starting to hum, they would want to keep that trend going at home. On the other hand, New Orleans will be trying to get rid of their defensive woes and stay with a well-oiled Lakers squad. The matchup will promise to be grueling at Crypto.com Arena with both teams battling for playoff positions.

Betting Odds and Info

These are the latest odds as of writing:

Moneyline: Pelicans 3.92 , Lakers 1.27

Spread: Pelicans +8.5 , Lakers -8.5

Over/Under: 229

Team Recent Performance

New Orleans Pelicans

On March 3, they secured a 128-121 victory over the Jazz but did not cover the spread as 7.5-point favorites since the total went over 232. On March 1, they lost to the Suns, 108-125, as 9.5-point underdogs, failing to cover that spread while the two went over 227.5. On February 28, they bounced back against the Suns, winning 124-116 and covering as 6.5-point underdogs, while the total was over 237. On February 26, they squeezed by the Spurs, winning 109-103 and covering as 2.5-point favorites, going under a closing total of 239.5. February 24 marked the second discrete occurrence of them prevailing with the Spurs at 114-96, this time covering as 2-point favorites and with the total going under 242.5.

Los Angeles Lakers

March 3, as 2.5-point underdogs, the team defeated the Clippers 108-102 to cover the spread and sent the total under 221.5. They had just defeated the Clippers 106-102 on March 1, again covering as 1.5-point favorites while sending the total under 220. On February 28, they had beaten the Timberwolves, 111-102, as 6-point favorites and against the spread with the total under 228.5. The team beat the Mavericks on February 26, 107-99, without covering the 8.5-point spread, with the total under 231.5. By winning over the Nuggets, 123-100, on February 23, as 6.5-point underdogs, the team covered the spread but brought the total under 244.

Team Head-to-Head Matchup

The LA Lakers are way better than others in direct clashes against the New Orleans Pelicans, maintaining an 8-2 record over the Pelicans’ 2-8. The Lakers have further been better against the spread at 7-3, whereas the Pelicans have struggled, going 3-7. Both teams have a 6-4 over/under record. The Lakers score 120.8 points per game on offense, way above the Pelicans’ 111.1. The Lakers are also doing better when it comes to half-time scoring (64.5 to 55.7) and field goal shooting (49.37% versus 45.99%). Slightly in favor of the Pelicans are rebounds (45.9 to 44.4); the Lakers have been superior shooting from three, draining 127 of 346 trifectas, while the Pelicans hit 105 of 313. The teams are almost split regarding steals, with the Lakers averaging 7.2 and the Pelicans 7.0.

Team Injuries Update

New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Boston (PG, ankle) is questionable. Herbert Jones (SF, shoulder) is out.

Los Angeles Lakers

Maxi Kleber (SF, foot), Rui Hachimura (SF, knee), and Jordan Goodwin (PG, ankle) are out. Cam Reddish (SG, personal) is doubtful. Austin Reaves (PG, calf) is questionable.

SPORTBOOK.AG’s Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers will win but the New Orleans will cover the spread with the total staying under 229.

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