Raptors vs. Pelicans Odds & Picks: New Orleans Soars to Early Lead
In the dog days of the season with the trade deadline and all-star break looming, it feels that the spot in a game plays a bigger role than in other parts of the year where the energy is higher on average. The spot, along with a season-long trend plays a big part in why to back New Orleans at home.
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Raptors vs. Pelicans Betting Odds
*lines accurate at the time of publication
Raptors vs. Pelicans Best Bets
Pelicans 1st Half -6.5 (-108, FanDuel)
The Pelicans have been the second-best first half team ATS this season and the second-best at home as well. New Orleans is 31-17-1 in the first half this year with 16-7-1 of that being at the Smoothie King Center. Since the trade of OG Anunoby, the Raptors have been fine as a road team in the first half but the swings have been large. In good spots, the Raptors win by a large margin but in bad spots, lose by a large margin.
In the 16 games since the Anunoby deal, 11 have had the first half decided by at least seven points and nine by double digits. The style of play works in the Pelicans’ favor as well with the Raptors allowing the second most shots at the rim since the deal of Pascal Siakam. With Jonas Valanciunas, the Pelicans have a hammer in the post that can take advantage of rim chances and that is without considering Zion Williamson, who is questionable. If Williamson is out, Trey Murphy likely starts and the spacing is even better for drivers to be able to attack the paint.
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What else New Orleans has working to its advantage is the rest spot. The Pelicans have been able to be home for an extra day before heading out west for a four game trip. Toronto played yesterday and while the travel from Oklahoma City to New Orleans is not bad, the double overtime game will take its toll. RJ Barrett is out as well for the Raptors, so they will be more short-handed than they were previously. The size and defense on the wing will be important with who the Pelicans have in their rotation.
Risk 1.08 units on FanDuel to win 1 unit.
