Lakers vs. Pelicans play-in tournament picks April 16: Bet on LeBron, L.A. to come out on top
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The Lakers just beat the Pelicans by 16 points on Sunday, and LeBron dominated in that matchup. Photo by Gerald Herbert/AP.
Jordan Horrobin
@JordanHorrobin
April 15, 2024

The No. 7 seed in the Western Conference is up for grabs on Tuesday night as the New Orleans Pelicans host the Los Angeles Lakers.

The pregame narrative: This game is in borderline pick 'em territory, and I'm riding with the Lakers on the moneyline as my best bet. In the prop market, look for LeBron James to continue to dominate as a scorer and passer.

Check out both Lakers vs. Pelicans picks for their play-in tournament matchup on April 16.

Lakers vs. Pelicans picks

Best Bet: Lakers moneyline (-105)

It's rare to see a legitimate preview of a play-in or playoff matchup so shortly before the real deal. But that's what we received when the Lakers played the Pelicans on Sunday.

L.A. was playing to retain the No. 8 seed, while New Orleans was playing to stay out of the play-in tournament. Both teams were playing at full go with full lineups.

The result? A stress-free, 16-point win for the Lakers.

L.A. won each of the first three quarters and led by 17 at half. LeBron posted a triple-double and his squad forced 19 turnovers.

It's fair to put some serious weight into this result, both because it just happened and both teams had something real to play for. With that in mind, I'm really liking the Lakers' chances as underdogs.

The Lakers are now 3-1 straight up and ATS against the Pelicans this season.

I'm not scared off by the venue of this game. For one thing, L.A. did just win in New Orleans on Sunday. But also, the Pelicans have been a mediocre home side this season.

New Orleans is just 21-19 at Smoothie King Center, losing each of its past five home games (including a loss to the Spurs as an 11.5-point favourite).

Key stat: In the past two Lakers/Pelicans matchups, L.A. has won by a combined 33 points.

Quick pick

LeBron over 35.5 points/assists (-112): LeBron was an absolute menace in the first half of Sunday's game, gashing the Pelicans for 13 points and 13 assists. He finished with 45 points/assists to go with 11 rebounds, five steals and a block.

Throughout his thoroughly decorated career, the King has proven he can find a new gear in crunch time.

Over his past 15 games, LeBron has averaged 27.1 points and 9.4 assists (36.5 PA). He's cashed this over in four straight.

Against the Pelicans, LeBron has hit this over in three of four games. He finished with exactly 35 PA in the other matchup.

Picks as of 10:42 a.m. on 04/15/2024.

NorthStar Bets editorial Insiders have no influence, direct or otherwise, over the setting of odds advertised on our platforms.