New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Betting odds, Injuries and DFS Tips
The suddenly hot Cleveland Cavaliers will try to play spoiler as the New Orleans Pelicans continue their run at the Western Conference Playoffs.
The New Orleans Pelicans (25-33) are coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and with the Lakers coming into town for a rematch on Sunday, this game against the Cavs has “trap” written all over it.
The Cavaliers (17-41) have been one of the NBA’s worst teams for most of the season, but have come on of late, winning four of their last five games.
The Cavs took care of business against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday behind 28 points from second year player Colin Sexton.
Sexton has been hot, netting 21.7 points per game over his last ten. He put in 24 against the New Orleans Pelicans in their last meeting, so Sexton will be a focal point for Lonzo Ball and the Pelicans’ defense.
The New Orleans Pelicans got big games from rookie superstar Zion Williamson and All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, but it wasn’t enough against the Lakers and LeBron James, who poured in a season-high 40 points.
The Pelicans look to get back on track tonight in the Smoothie King Center, but need to be careful they don’t overlook the Cavaliers en route to their Sunday rematch against the Lakers.
Gameday information
Tip-off: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: Fox Sports New Orleans
Radio: WRNO 99.5-FM/ESPN New Orleans 100.3 FM
Streams: FUBO.TV and NBA League Pass
Last time out: Pelicans (25–33) lost 118-109 to the Lakers on Tuesday; Cavaliers (17-41) won 108-94 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
Betting Odds
Line: Pelicans -12.5
Over/under: 238
Moneylines: Pelicans +650; Cavaliers -850
ATS: Pelicans 29-25-3; Cavaliers 26-30-2
ATS splits: Pelicans 15-13 at home; Cavaliers 14-12-1 on the road
O/U splits: Pelicans 15-12-1 at home; Cavaliers 15-12 on the road
*All lines and betting information provided by The Action Network.
Injury reports
The official injury report has not been released but the New Orleans Pelicans will be without the services of shooting guard Kenrich Williams.
Both Dante Exum and Alfonzo McKinnie are listed as out and newly acquired center Andre Drummond is day-to-day but will likely be out against the Pelicans with a calf strain.
DFS tips
There are several New Orleans Pelicans who are poised to have big games against the Cavaliers. Zion is coming off a 29-point game against the Lakers and still presents good value for money at $8k.
Jrue Holiday struggled against LeBron and the Lakers, but has been hot lately, especially when it comes to rebounds and assists. He is $8.2k and has averaged 43.6 FP over his last five. Ingram had 34 points against the Lakers and looks to build on his success. He’s no longer hampered by an injury and would be a smart play at $7.5k.
I will continue to beat the drum for my man Nicolo Melli, who has been playing well off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans. Melli continues to be the beneficiary of the attention paid to Williamson and Ingram and is only $4.1k and coming off two big games.
The Pelicans are not great at defending the post or keeping teams off the offensive glass. With Drummond likely sidelined with an injury, this could open the door for Tristan Thompson ($5.7k) to have a big game.
Next. Lonzo Ball is the Next Jason Kidd. dark
Others to watch are Larry Nance Jr. ($5.9k) and Kevin Porter Jr. ($4.8k), who has been up and down but recently dropped 30 points on the Heat.
Good luck with all of your bets and fantasy sports!