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New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide vs. Los Angeles Lakers

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 12, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 123-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 12: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 12, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 123-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Pelicans have their most anticipated game thus far of the season on Wednesday night as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

The New Orleans Pelicans struck a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in June to send Anthony Davis to LA in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and a slew of draft capital. On Wednesday, the Pelicans play their former teammate for the first time this season.

Except you cannot really say that it is their former teammate. While there is some carryover, this Pelicans team is vastly different from the ones before it and that is why there was so much anticipation around the team this season.

The Pelicans have entered a new era built around Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaxson Hayes and whatever talented prospects they draft in future drafts. Anthony Davis is a thing of the distant past.

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The Pelicans’ trio of former Lakers might not even play in this game. Ingram is going to play but Ball is questionable with an illness and Hart is questionable with a knee injury that has held him out since November 11.

Ingram is a prime candidate for a big game against his former team. The forward is already having an incredible season, averaging 26.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Perhaps because of this possibility, and the fact that the Lakers are on the road, the Pelicans are only six-point underdogs, according to the Action Network.

That seems like a small spread for a 15-2 team to cover. Regardless, here is our against the spread prediction for the game.

Against the spread prediction (6-8-1): Los Angeles Lakers -6

Six points is way too few for a 15-2 team against an inexperienced team that is lacking size and has not been great thus far this season. The Los Angeles Lakers are a great team that dominates because of their defense and their size, which is an issue for the Pelicans.

The Pelicans can shoot the three-ball with anyone but they have one of the worst defenses in the league and a large reason for that is their lack of size. The Pelicans have allowed the second-most points in the paint this season, the Lakers have scored the second-most.

I personally do not see this game even being close. Anthony Davis is returning to New Orleans and is a prime candidate for a huge game, even bigger then Ingram’s.

Next. Expect an ugly game on Thanksgiving. dark

I had faith that the New Orleans Pelicans could cover the spread against the Los Angeles Clippers, and that was 13 points. That did not happen and there is no chance it happens in this game either.

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