NBA 2025-2026: New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans
Home Team
30.3%
112.6 pts
VS
Los Angeles Lakers
Away Team
69.7%
119.5 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Los Angeles Lakers are predicted to win against the New Orleans Pelicans with a probability of 69.7%. The expected score is 119.5 for the Lakers and 112.6 for the Pelicans. The anticipated starting five for the Pelicans includes Jeremiah Fears, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, and Kevon Looney. For the Lakers, the expected starters are Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton.
Game Analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a challenging stretch, having lost their last three games against the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, and San Antonio Spurs. Their performance has been marked by defensive struggles, with consistently high points allowed to opponents. Notably, Trey Murphy III has been a bright spot with an average of 18.45 points, but the Pelicans' defensive ratings suggest vulnerabilities that the Lakers might exploit.
Conversely, the Lakers have shown mixed results, with a win against the Charlotte Hornets sandwiched between losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks. Despite these setbacks, the offensive prowess of their lineup, led by Luka Dončić's impressive 34.875 average points and Austin Reaves' 28.33 average points, bodes well for their scoring potential. The Lakers also benefit from a more balanced offensive and defensive rating profile compared to the Pelicans.
Final Prediction
The Lakers' predicted victory is rooted in their superior offensive output and the scoring capabilities of their key players, notably Luka Dončić. A key factor to watch during the game will be how the Pelicans handle the Lakers' dynamic offense, especially given their recent defensive lapses. If the Lakers can capitalize on these weaknesses, they are poised to secure the win.