Lakers vs. Pelicans Odds & Betting Predictions - April 16, 2024

@GDAWG5000

Mjay POD #1

Tailing @JoeDellera

Zion was an absolute wrecking ball to end the season averaging 27.1 ppg in his last 10 games without Brandon Ingram before putting up a 12 point dud in the finale against the Lakers in Ingram’s return. With Ingram he’s averaged 22.5 ppg compared to 24.3 ppg without him this season, so that is working against him today with a 24.5 points line. He’s exceeded this in 2/4 games against the Lakers this season; however, he has not had great volume. In the four games he’s taken 8, 12, 19, and 13 FGAs with 3/4 falling below his average of 15.4 FGAs per game. The Lakers decided via scheme that Zion was not going to beat them in the finale. While Willie Green can try and coach around that, it is difficult to get away from the defense the Lakers threw at him. The Lakers put multiple players on ball and instead of using AD to cover Zion (especially when Nance was in), they used him as a floater closer to the hoop. This is something Zion struggled with because you simply cannot just bulldoze your way through LeBron, AD, and Rui. The Pelicans will need to generate offense to keep this game competitive, but I think it’s more likely they’ll find it from Ingram and McCollum than Zion. I like Zion to go under his 24.5 points prop.

IT’S 3PM SOMEWHERE!! Averaging 3.5 3PT since ASB and cleared this in last game vs Lakers.

Off of the weed i’m talking cat piss

D’Angelo Russell over 16.5 Points (-115 MGM) This is a rematch from the regular season finale and there are a few angles I like to carry over into this game. DLO has been excellent against the Pelicans over the last two seasons and has exceeded this line in 6/7 games with the lone miss at 14 when he played just 22 minutes. In those 7 games he has averaged 21 points. He’s able to do this effectively due to the defensive schemes the Pelicans employ and even though both Herb Jones and Trey Murphy are strong defenders, the Pelicans overall have struggled against Pick and Roll ball handlers. Within the last week Curry (33), Fox (33), Dlo (19), and Scoot Henderson (19) all have found success. Dlo is averaging 19.5 ppg over his last 30 and has exceeded this line in 20/30 to close the season. I like him to do so again tonight.

@HPBasketball

Running this back. In 4 games vs Pelicans this year, AD has taken 6x 3PT attempts and missed all of them.