Pelicans vs Lakers odds and predictions: LeBron to lead Lakers to NBA Cup final

• LeBron James looks to lead Lakers to the inaugural NBA Cup
• Zion Williamson lookd to put the league on notice that Pelicans are legitimate contenders
• Davis and Ingram face the franchises that drafted them with big stakes on the line

The upcoming clash in the Western Conference holds immense significance as it determines the contender for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament Cup. Following their victory over the Phoenix Suns in Los Angeles, the Lakers have now joined the Pelicans in Las Vegas for this pivotal showdown.

Beyond the star-studded offensive rosters, both the Pelicans and Lakers have shown formidable strength on the defensive front (more insights on this to follow). This sets the stage for an intense, high-stakes battle that promises unmissable action. The Lakers seek to maintain their flawless record in in-season tournament play, while the Pelicans aim to etch their names in history as the inaugural NBA Cup champions.

Pelicans vs Lakers information

Pelicans vs Lakers odds

Odds provided by DraftKings – accurate as of December 6

In a thrilling Monday night showdown, the Pelicans stunned the crowd at Golden 1 Center, securing an upset victory despite being considered short three-point underdogs.

Scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 PM ET, the Pelicans and Lakers are poised for a game filled with captivating matchups. Witness Zion Williamson facing off against LeBron James for the fifth time in their careers. Additionally, Brandon Ingram, facing the team that initially drafted him, confronts the Lakers for the fifth time, while Anthony Davis, drafted by the Pelicans and spending seven years there, contends against his former team.

Pelicans vs Lakers predictions

As the season progresses, both the Pelicans and Lakers are finally approaching full strength, a rarity for them this year. Welcoming Trey Murphy and CJ McCollum back has realigned New Orleans’ lineup, evident in their recent victory in Sacramento as underdogs.Similarly, the Lakers have seen the return of Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, crucial players who add offensive and defensive prowess. This resurgence has bolstered the team’s lineup over the past few games.

The impending Thursday showdown showcases two teams renowned for their prowess in scoring within the paint. Both the Lakers and Pelicans boast averages of over 52 points in the paint, placing them within the NBA’s top 10. Additionally, they excel in converting opponent turnovers into points, emphasizing the importance of ball control in this matchup. Both squads thrive in transition, capitalizing on fast break opportunities and turnovers, evident from their top-ten rankings in fast break points scored.

Thursday’s game reveals that while both teams excel in scoring inside, they also display solid defense in the paint. Allowing approximately 48 points per game in the restricted area, both the Lakers and Pelicans surpass the league average defensively in this aspect. Moreover, concerning shooting proficiency, both teams encounter challenges from beyond the arc. Across 22 regular-season games, they rank among the NBA’s bottom five in three-point makes and percentage, with New Orleans slightly edging ahead but still below league standards.

The question arises: which team might find a rhythm from long-range, and whose defense could be more susceptible to the opponent’s shooting prowess? Interestingly, the Lakers have surprisingly showcased their best basketball during the in-season tournament. Despite their prior struggles in three-point shooting, during five tournament games, they’ve emerged as a top-ten team in three-pointers made, averaging more than 13 per game at an impressive 44% accuracy, positioning them among the league’s top five in this category.

Odds provided by FanDuel – accurate as of December 6

Pelicans vs Lakers spread and over/under analysis

The Pelicans have finally regrouped with key players returning, a rare occurrence this season. Naji Marshall, Jose Alvardo, Trey Murphy, and Cj McCollum’s recent comebacks have reshaped the team, though injuries have obscured a full assessment of their capabilities.

Despite this, their pivotal win against the Kings in Sacramento underlined their potential, yet their road record stands at 4-6, coupled with a 4-5-1 ATS (against the spread) record—numbers that don’t fully account for their complete roster, now poised for the In-Season Tournament Semifinals in Las Vegas.

Notably, New Orleans has thrived in tournament play, boasting a 4-1 straight-up record and an impressive 4-0-1 ATS record. Their success has been buoyed by a robust defensive effort, a standout amidst the challenges posed by Western Conference rivals.

Despite holding the eighth-best offensive rating, the Pelicans have truly excelled on defense, conceding five fewer points per game, consistently limiting opponents below projected scores, and claiming the No. 7 spot in defensive ratings during tournament games. Outside these tournament fixtures, their performance drops to 8-9 straight up and 9-8 ATS.

Meanwhile, the Lakers, undefeated in tournament play following their recent win against the Suns, are also experiencing newfound health. Driven by an ambition to clinch the inaugural NBA Cup trophy in Las Vegas, their dominance in tournament games is evident. While they struggle in regular season non-tournament games with an 8-9 straight-up record and a 5-12 ATS record, during tournament play, they are an immaculate 5-0 both straight up and ATS, boasting a staggering 15-point average winning margin and shooting an exceptional 50% from the field, while securing the top defensive rating.

It’s crucial to note the absence of data regarding both teams’ performances in neutral site games, which could potentially affect players and team dynamics differently. Furthermore, the 5 PM ET tipoff time diverges from their usual game schedules, potentially impacting the teams’ performances.

The Pelicans hold a rest advantage, having secured their win a night earlier than the Lakers, a factor that might play a role considering the age of the Lakers’ star player, LeBron James. Statistical trends also suggest the Pelicans tend to perform well when more rested than their opponents, compared to the Lakers, who have struggled in similar scenarios. Interestingly, the Lakers’ offense tends to suffer in such situations, reflected in lower-scoring games, while the Pelicans rely on solid defensive showcases, resulting in games hitting the under bet more often.

Odds provided by FanDuel and BetRivers – accurate as of December 6

Pelicans vs Lakers player to watch – LeBron James

Following an impressive showing against the Phoenix Suns in the opening elimination round, anticipation brews for a repeat performance from one of the league’s most formidable matchups: LeBron James. Known as a significant mismatch for almost any team, James stands as a potential headache for the New Orleans Pelicans in this matchup, boasting an impressive history against them.

In recent matchups against the Pelicans, James has showcased his prowess. Last season, he tallied impressive stats, scoring 39 and 38 points in two separate games, accompanied by strong rebound and assist numbers. Even at the age of 38, during the five in-season tournament games, James has maintained a remarkable average of 26.2 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, emerging as a key player in this unique tournament. The possibility of becoming the inaugural in-season tournament winner and potentially earning the MVP title represents an unprecedented accolade, a testament to his dedication in his remarkable 21st season.

LeBron James seems particularly driven toward this achievement, evident to anyone closely following the games. This upcoming matchup against the Pelicans, with the implications of the NBA Cup at stake, sets the stage for what could be an extraordinary performance from James. Keep an eye out for a potential standout game where James might shine, bearing significant implications for the NBA Cup.

The Pelicans often fly under the radar, but their potential is undeniable. It’s easy to forget their incredible dominance last season when they were at full strength, boasting the Western Conference’s best record. Now, with a healthy lineup and various advantages on their side, the Lakers face a daunting challenge in securing a win here.

Yet, the Lakers’ formidable performance in the in-season tournament (5-0 straight up and against the spread) makes it tough to bet against them. LeBron James seems unstoppable, driving the team with a fierce determination. This Lakers squad’s defense resembles last year’s playoff team that defied expectations and conquered series as underdogs on the road twice.

My bet? I’m backing the Lakers to claim victory on the moneyline. Expect a clash where both defenses bring their A-game. And regarding the total score? I’m banking on it staying under 230 points. Get ready for a thrilling matchup!

Who do you think will win between the Pelicans and Lakers when they play in the NBA In-Season Tournament on Thursday night? Get the latest odds from the best sportsbooks on the Oddspedia NBA Odds hub and get involved in the action!