Lakers vs. Pelicans odds, predictions, best player prop picks for Tuesday's NBA Play-In Tournament matchup

Lakers vs. Pelicans odds, predictions, best player prop picks for Tuesday’s NBA Play-In Tournament matchup

The final block of regular-season NBA games changed everything this past Sunday. With the Timberwolves losing to the Suns and the Lakers hammering the Pelicans, Denver moved up to No.2 from No. 3, New Orleans moved down to No. 7 and the Lakers secured the eighth position, remaining ahead of Sacramento to avoid an elimination game in a 9-10 clash with Golden State.

If not for the jeopardy they would put themselves in through a winner-take-all elimination game, these teams would probably consider dropping Tuesday’s showdown to ensure they’re not stuck in a first-round series with the defending champs. The fact the Kings-Warriors survivor will be a dangerous foe capable of eliminating the Pelicans-Lakers loser should curb any thoughts of strategic tanking.

New Orleans (49-33 SU, 44-38 ATS) hopes to overcome a troublesome trend of getting crushed in meaningful games by the Lakers (47-35, 38-44), who are looking to roll for the fourth time in five matchups this season. All four meetings have produced blowouts.

Handicapping Lakers vs. Pelicans betting odds, props, and predictions requires projecting whether the home team can overcome a lack of playoff experience in what appears to be a bad matchup. Oddsmakers have basically labeled this a pick’em on the moneyline, although most books had New Orleans as a slight point spread favorite as of Tuesday morning.

Lakers vs. Pelicans odds: Point spread, moneyline, total

Here are the latest NBA betting odds for Los Angeles vs. New Orleans at top-rated US sportsbooks:

Los Angeles Lakers betting news and analysis

Anthony Davis left Sunday’s win due to back spasms after scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in just over 32 minutes, dominating in finishing 13-for-17 from the field. Although listed as questionable, he told reporters there was no way he was missing this rematch. Davis played in a career-best 76 of 82 possible games, averaging a career-best 12.6 rebounds per game.

LeBron James has defied Father Time as a 39-year-old and was particularly great on Sunday, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds, 17 assists and five steals. He’s shot a career-best 41 percent from 3-point range. LA got key offseason acquisition Gabe Vincent back, but remains without arguably its top defender, forward Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), and backup big man Christian Wood (knee).

New Orleans Pelicans betting news and analysis

Zion Williamson has improved defensively but shot 4-for-13 against LA on Sunday in finishing with just 12 points, his lowest output in an 11-game span. Brandon Ingram played in his first game since March 21 after missing time with a knee injury. He shot 6-for-9 from the field but played just 23 minutes.

Center Jonas Valanciunas played just over seven minutes as Willie Green pulled him in favor of smaller lineups after the Lakers raced out to an 11-4 lead. It will be important to get the 7-footer and Williamson established in the paint early, particularly since Davis’ mobility must be tested to prove he’s not limited.

More: Updated NBA Championship futures odds | NBA Play-In Tournament odds

Lakers vs. Pelicans prop picks

Williamson’s assist number has been set at . Even with Ingram back to isolate more and cut into his usage, Williamson still finished with eight assists in a losing cause on Sunday. He’s had at least five assists in five of seven April contests and the Pelicans’ offense works best when he gets downhill, creates open shots and facilitates.

James topping 3-pointers is another bet worth making given his improved accuracy from beyond the arc. James is just 5-for-18 over his past five games and has only made multiple 3-pointers once since going 9-for-10 in Brooklyn to end March. Expect him to try and find the range early, particularly since the Pels probably pack the paint and play off him.

Lakers vs. Pelicans ATS prediction

The Lakers have had the Pels’ number, and unless C.J. McCollum and Trey Murphy III thrive from beyond the arc, New Orleans won’t keep pace given how efficiently LA is scoring. The Lakers were 10-2 in games James appeared in, averaging 125.5 points per game in those wins. The Lakers should have enough juice to claim the seventh seed.

Pick: Lakers