Los Angeles Lakers (47-35) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (49-33)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans April 16 2024 – As the NBA Play-In Tournament heats up, Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans square off against each other in a tightly contested contest on April 16, 2024 at Smoothie King Center with TNT broadcasting live coverage at 7:30 PM ET for this crucial encounter. Both sides have proven formidable throughout this season’s campaign with 47-35 and 49-33 records respectively for both squads. Expect high stakes action that draws attention from American online sportsbooks as well as avid basketball fans alike on this date of intense battle action on Tuesday!
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans April 16 2024 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Lakers | -120 | -1 (-118) | 225 O (-115) |
| Pelicans | +100 | +1 (-102) | 225 U (-105) |
Betting odds show a slight lean towards Los Angeles Lakers despite comparable season performance against New Orleans Pelicans, perhaps reflecting recent form or perceived matchup advantages. Bettors might find value betting the moneyline instead due to tight spreads suggesting tight games with potential to produce close contests; considering both teams’ tendency for high scoring performances betting over might also be worthwhile considerations.
LeBron James (SF) vs. Brandon Ingram (SF)
LeBron James continues to defy age, leading the Lakers with 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. His leadership on the court is pivotal not just when scoring but when orchestrating plays against Pelicans’ defense – though his turnover rate of 3.4 may become an issue during high pressure situations.
At the Pelicans’ side of things, Brandon Ingram has been instrumental in their recent success by scoring 20.9 points and pulling down 5.1 rebounds per game while creating shots and setting up assists (5.8 assists per game) that provide versatile playmaking ability and assistance plays (5.8 assist per game). Furthermore, Ingram boasts an advantageous turnover rate (2.6) and ability to draw fouls which might help secure victory during close contests.
When these two key players meet on the court, their influence will be tremendous on its flow and outcome. LeBron brings experience and clutch performance ability; Ingram brings agility and sharpshooting skills – creating an intriguing rivalry that could alter its direction towards either team.
Los Angeles Lakers: Offensive Powerhouse
The Lakers have been an offensive powerhouse this season, scoring an average of 118 points per game with an impressive 49.8 field goal percentage and strong performances beyond the arc and charity stripe to provide them with all-court threat potential. Their offensive firepower will prove crucial against Pelicans defense that also has capabilities of producing high scoring games.
New Orleans Pelicans: Balanced and Dynamic
The Pelicans boast a slightly lower scoring average with 115.2 points per game but have shown their strengths through effective field goal percentages and offensive rebounding, particularly offensively. Their 10.4 offensive rebounds per game may play a pivotal role in creating second chance points in tight contests where each possession counts.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have recently displayed strong form, winning four out of their last five games and covering close games without difficulty. But their recent performance against the spread, particularly away games (19-21) shows some inconsistency that bettors should consider carefully when betting against this trend. Recent performance indicates strong outright results while being riskier when betting against it.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
Like their opponents, the Pelicans have seen recent success compared to Lakers – winning four out of their last five contests and going 4-1 overall. Additionally, their record against the spread on road (23-17) may give them an edge in tight games at home or away.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Picks
Given both teams’ recent performances and strengths, this matchup should be closely contested. While Lakers might hold an advantage when betting moneylines directly against them, Pelicans could offer great value as underdogs due to their outstanding record against spread betting and home court advantage.
As both teams tend to score highly-scoring games, betting over 225 may be safer – particularly with both offenses running full tilt and LeBron James expected to play an integral part. Check out free Play-In Tournament NBA picks which show LeBron as potentially key in reaching high scores.
This matchup should go the Lakers way as LeBron can dominate high-stakes games to lead them to victory, yet expect an intense challenge from New Orleans Pelicans that makes this must-watch contest of the tournament.
Score Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 112, New Orleans Pelicans 109.
