New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Picks, Lines & Predictions
On Sunday night the Pelicans travel up north to take on the Cavaliers. New Orleans will look to build on their big win on Friday against the 76ers. The Pels are 23-29 this season and went 24-28 against the spread. They are now one game behind the Warriors in the loss column in the battle for the play-in spot. They split their last 8 games, winning four of them. The Cavaliers are also not that far from the play-in tournament. However, they more likely have their sights set on the high draft pick. Over the season, they’re 19-33 and 21-3 ATS. They’ve now lost 6 out of the last 8 games. Two teams already met this season, with the Pelicans dominating at home 116-82.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Line Movement
The Pelicans opened as -5.5 favorites, but with early money going their way, the line has moved to -6.5. The total was initially set at 230, but dropped significantly since, to 227.
Notes On The New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans has been kind of spotty lately, but with Ingram back in the lineup they pulled off a huge win against Philly on Friday. Zion Williamson produced another historic performance with 37 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Pelicans star has been in tremendous form recently. Over the last 10 games, Zion is averaging 31.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Plus, he is shooting 60.6 from the field. However, it was their defense they have to that led them to win on Friday. The game was decided in the 3rd quarter when the 76ers scored only 18 points. In addition, they managed to keep Embiid at only 14 points. Overall, the Pelicans had a poor shooting night, especially from the deep. They shot a miserable 4-22 from beyond the arc. Their shooting woes may continue as they are still without their assist and 3-point leader, Lonzo Ball.
Besides Ball, the Pelicans will be without Nickeil Alexander-Walker and long-term absentee Josh Hart.
Notes On The Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has been in a slump recently, losing 6 in 8. However, back-to-back road wins against the Spurs and the Thunder last week should boost their confidence and motivation. They’re clearly not playing for the postseason, but the young squad aided by Kevin Love can cause problems to anyone. They were blown out by Toronto last time out, but the talented backcourt produced yet another encouraging performance. Sexton and Garland combined 48 points and 13 assists. However, with Jarret Allen likely out again, the Cavs will have a hard time defending the rim and stopping Zion on Sunday. They’re now on a bad streak at home, going 1-4 ATS in the last 5 games in Cleveland.
For the Sunday game, Allen and Larry Nance Jr. are confirmed to be out. Dylan Windler is listed as a game-time decision.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Pick: UNDER 227
The Pels are coming out sub-200 game vs Philly. Without their mind distributor, Lonzo Ball, they may struggle with the flow of attack and getting their role players involved. Cleveland, on the other hand, is the worst offensive team in the league. They’re averaging only 103.6 ppg. The last time they met the Pelicans, the Cavs scored only 82 points. Both teams have been trending OVER lately, but it’s hard to see that continuing in this game.
