Los Angeles Lakers (46-29) vs New Orleans Pelicans (21-55)
Game Info: Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 pm (crypto.com Arena)
Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -13.5 -- Over/Under: 219.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: Spectrum Sports Net
The Los Angeles Lakers (46-29) will host the New Orleans Pelicans (21-55) on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. The Lakers, currently third in the Western Conference, are looking to solidify their playoff position, while the Pelicans, already eliminated from postseason contention, will use this game to evaluate their roster depth. The Lakers lead the season series 2-0, having secured a 104-99 win in New Orleans on November 16 and a dominant 136-115 victory at home on March 4.
New Orleans enters the game severely shorthanded, with key players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Brandon Ingram, and Herbert Jones all ruled out for the season due to various injuries. To compensate, the team recently signed center Kylor Kelley to a 10-day contract. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a relatively healthy roster, with LeBron James listed as probable due to a left groin injury. With the Pelicans missing nearly all of their star players, the Lakers are heavy favorites and will look to capitalize on this opportunity to secure a crucial late-season win.
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Austin Reaves Over 19.5 Points
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves is having a standout 2024-25 NBA season. Over 67 games, he has averaged 19.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 45.5%. His efficiency is further highlighted by a three-point shooting percentage of 36.0% and a free-throw percentage of 88.4%. Austin Reaves has been a moneymaker for me this season, and oddsmakers continue to disrespect him with the odds they set his points at. If oddsmakers aren’t going to adjust, I’ll continue to slam his overs night in and night out.
Jose Alvarado Over 13.5 Points
New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado has played 52 games in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 9.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. He has a field goal percentage of 39.2%, a three-point shooting percentage of 35.8%, and a free throw percentage of 82.0%. This play is simply based on the Pelicans being decimated when it comes to a scoring perspective. We saw Alvarado score 17 points in his last game against a good Clippers defense. He’ll need to continue to be more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball, with how many of New Orleans' main scorers are out for the whole season.
Luka Doncic Over 7.5 Assists
Luka Doncic has been delivering impressive assist numbers in the 2024-25 NBA season. Between his time with the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers, he has averaged 7.9 assists per game. Luka has flexed his playmaking muscles as of late, logging 8+ assists in his last 3 games. The Lakers are getting great production from some of the role players on this team, which has helped Luka’s assist numbers.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
