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UPDATE: Davis has been ruled out vs. the Pelicans. The line on DKSB has shifted to Pelicans -0.5 and -107 on the money line. We’re still getting some value on the Pelicans at those odds. I think the spread will go up and probably reach a point or two for NOLA. The O/U of 235 takes a hit without AD’s scoring, but think about his defense. This should make it easy for Zion Williamson to score down low and puts more strain on LeBron James on defense. Line up to -1.5, moving rapidly.
UPDATE: Anthony Davis is questionable to play vs. the Pelicans due to knee soreness. This will impact the lines dramatically — especially once AD’s status is determined. Getting the Pelicans at +1.5 if AD is going to sit would be ideal. If AD plays, you could end up getting the Lakers are plus-odds depending on where the money goes the next four hours or so.
There was a lot of hype surrounding the previous meeting between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans. LeBron James struck it all down swiftly. King James dropped 40 points in 34 minutes. Williamson wasn’t bad himself, though, scoring 29 points in 33 minutes, getting to the line 19 times. The Lake Show ended up winning 118-109, pulling away in the fourth quarter. In a rematch of the Lakers and Pelicans, can NOLA get some revenge? Here’s a look at where the money is going with some betting splits courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook:
Lakers vs. Pelicans Betting Splits
| Team | % Handle | % Bets |
|---|---|---|
| Team | % Handle | % Bets |
| Lakers (-1.5) | 91% | 82% |
| Pelicans (+1.5) | 9% | 18% |
| Over 235.5 | 98% | 50% |
| Under 235.5 | 2% | 50% |
| Lakers (-120) | 73% | 66% |
| Pelicans (+102) | 27% | 34% |
After the last meeting, it appears bettors aren’t putting much faith in the Pelicans to hang with LeBron and Anthony Davis. A large amount of the money is on the Lakers on a short spread, which makes sense. L.A. is great against the spread and normally doesn’t get this type of line against an inferior team.
The O/U is interesting, since the majority of the handle is on the OVER, but the actual bets are split 50/50. The last meeting was well below 235.5 at 227 points total. James is a bit banged up and AD is on the injury report almost every game. I think this game will be closer than the previous meeting being in NOLA, so another UNDER seems imminent.
If we look at the money line, I don’t mind the Pelicans at +102 to win straight up at home. They were right there in the last game, trailing by just two points heading into the fourth quarter. If Jrue Holiday has a better shooting night, the Pelicans probably come out of L.A. with that win. On the other side, we rarely see the Lakers at -120 against a non-playoff team. Sure, the Pelicans are closer to an above average squad, but the Lakers have a clear edge.
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