The New Orleans Pelicans(49-33) host the Los Angeles Lakers(47-35) to kick off the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
We are at the point of the year where every game is high stakes. The winner of this game will secure their spot in the 8-team playoff tournament as the 7th seed. They will then play the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
The loser of this game will still be fighting for a playoff berth. They will have to play again on Friday against the winner of the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors for a chance to grab the last spot in the playoffs. If they can manage to win that, they will face the OKC Thunder in the first round.
Which team will be able to lock up their spot in this season’s NBA Playoffs, and give themselves a chance at a ring?
Pelicans vs. Lakers Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -1
-105 |
O 224.5
-110 |
-110 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +1
-115 |
U 224.5
-110 |
-110 |
| ** Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Pelicans vs. Lakers Game Details
- Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers @ New Orleans Pelicans
- Date and Time: April 16, 2024 @ 7:30 pm EST
- Location: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Apex Tale of the Tape
| New Orleans Pelicans | vs. | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 49-33 | Record | 47-35 |
| 115.1 | Points Per Game | 118.1 |
| 48.6 | FG% | 49.9 |
| 34.9 | 3PT% | 37.5 |
| 51.3 | Rebounds Per Game | 51.5 |
| 110.7 | Points Allowed Per Game | 117.3 |
| 46.4 | Opponent FG% | 47.3 |
| 34.9 | Opponent 3PT% | 37.5 |
| 78.3 | Opponent FT% | 79.7 |
| 50.1 | Opponent Rebounds Against | 50.8 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 W-L | 3-2 |
| 101.1 | Team Pace | 104.9 |
Key Stats
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans just played the Lakers in their last game of the regular season. In that game, their stars did not step up. with a chance to secure a spot in the playoffs, Zion Williamson only had 12 points, and Brandon Ingram had 13 points.
For them to win this game, those two guys are going to have to step up. They average 43.7 combined points per game and lead the team. One Pelican who has been playing well is CJ McCollum. He has 25+ points in 7 straight games.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers, because of their star players and their experience, are always a threat in the playoffs. LeBron James is their leader, with 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. In his play-in game last season vs the Minnesota Timberwolves, James put up 30 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans
- None
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James – Probable
- Anthony Davis – Questionable
- Jared Vanderbilt – OUT
- Christian Wood – OUT
Game Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be going all out for this win tonight, with a spot in the playoffs on the line. The Lakers won the season series 3-1, with the biggest of those wins coming on the last game of the regular season. In that game, the Lakers stole a win from the Pelicans on their home court, giving me hope that they can do it again. I’m not betting against LeBron James in the playoffs.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Lakers +1 (-115)
About the Author
Caden is a massive sports fan and has been following the professional leagues for as long as he can remember. His main sports are NFL and NBA, but he watches and can talk about all sports. If you want more great sports insight or are looking for sports betting advice, follow Caden on Twitter @CadenBahry. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
