Lakers vs. Pelicans Betting Odds Picks & Predictions: How Will LeBron and L.A. Handle Zion and the Pelicans?

LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers travel to New Orleans to take on Zion Williamson and the Pelicans on Sunday night. Los Angeles is currently a slim favorite and the total checks in at 234.5. Matt Moore has his pick for how to bet this Sunday night showdown in the Big Easy.

Lakers at Pelicans Picks, Betting Odds & Predictions

• Spread: Lakers -1
• Over/Under: 234.5
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPN

Odds as of Sunday and via FanDuel. Get up to a $500 risk-free bet at FanDuel today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.

Don't Overthink This One

I took the Lakers last time these two teams played this week and they rolled. It is wild that they’re only 1.5 here. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both going to play, that’s confirmed.

The idea of the Pelicans greatly exceeds the value of them. The Pelicans are 9-6 with Zion, 8th in offense and 8th in defense. However, in that span they are 1-4 straight up and ATS vs. teams with a winning percentage over 60%. They have risen to a team that can beat bad teams.

The Lakers are not a bad team. They have lost two in a row just four times this season, with three of those coming in a short span in December. Overall, they are 8-4 straight up in those spots, which matters given the short line, here. (They are 6-6 ATS after a loss this season.)

Zion Willamson will win his matchup, but the Pelicans don’t have the firepower to hang with the Lakers, or slow them down. LeBron James was magnificent in the last game. Yes, the Pelicans had a chance late in that game, but the Lakers controlled it for the duration. This line is patently insane to me.

PICK: Lakers -1.5

Editor’s note: The opinions on this game are from the individual writers and are based on their research, analysis and perspective. They are independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.