The Toronto Raptors (36-28) and New Orleans Pelicans (21-45) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. The game will broadcast live on Gulf Coast Sports.
The Raptors are 1.5-point favorites over the Pelicans on the spread (Raptors -1.5), with the over/under set at 232.5 total points. Toronto is a -130 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Raptors vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, March 11.
Raptors vs Pelicans Prediction, Picks
- Raptors vs Pelicans picks: Raptors -1.5 (-110), Under 232.5 (-110)
My Pelicans vs. Raptors best bets are on Toronto to cover the spread and Under 232.5. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Raptors vs Pelicans Odds
| Raptors Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 232.5 -112o / -108u | -130 |
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 232.5 -112o / -108u | +110 |
Raptors vs Pelicans NBA Preview
It’s the second night of a back-to-back, which isn’t an ideal spot for the Raptors, but they have been excellent on rest disadvantage under Darko Rajaković.
The Raptors are coming off a tough loss to Houston, but they need this win to maintain their spot in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto has done well vs. teams under .500 ATS ATS this season, and while the Pelicans aren’t tanking, they aren't really pushing full-out either, with their season already over.
I make the spread for this game Raptors -2.8, giving me enough leeway to back Toronto.
In particular, I like Toronto’s size in the frontcourt vs. the Pelicans’ combos of Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, and Yves Missi.
I also think the Raptors’ defensive combo of Jamal Shead and Scottie Barnes can slow down Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy enough to earn Toronto a win as long as the normal scorers score.
Immanuel Quickley will face ball pressure, but Barnes should be able to get to the rim and RJ Barrett, who has been on a heater, will have favorable opportunities for spot-ups and secondary on-ball actions.
Raptors vs Pelicans Predictions, Betting Analysis
Raptors -1.5
Expect turnovers for the Pelicans to create some easy points for the Raptors.
The Raptors' ball pressure is a little tough for the Pelicans ball-handlers, especially with Murray coming off a major injury in just his seventh game back, and Jeremiah Fears still a rookie.
That little edge in the creation of easy buckets will be enough to give Toronto the win and cover.
Under 232.5
Dejounte Murray has been great defensively since his return, and the Raptors’ offense has been really struggling lately.
They don’t have great spacing and consistently go through droughts.
The Raptors' defensive lineups help them win but can’t score, and their offensive lineups can score but don’t win.
With that in mind, I like the Pelicans’ surprisingly decent defense to be able to keep this score limited, and for Toronto to buckle down as try-hard teams do on the second night of a back-to-back.
I’ll take the Under.
Raptors vs Pelicans Best Bets
- Raptors -1.5 (-110)
- Under 232.5 (-110)
Spread
My first Raptors vs. Pelicans betting prediction is on Toronto to cover the spread (-1.5).
Moneyline
I'm laying the points with the Raptors instead of taking the juice on the moneyline.
Over/Under
No play on the total in tonight's matchup.
