| MATCHUP | Los Angeles Lakers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 23-11 | 8-30 |
| Where | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | |
| When | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | Spectrum Sports Net | |
The LA Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans meet Tuesday in NBA action at the Smoothie King Center. Here’s a Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Pick.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers lost to the Pistons, beat the Grizzlies, and they play the Spurs next. The Lakers have won 3 of their last 4 games.
The LA Lakers are averaging 116.9 points on 49.9 percent shooting and allowing 117.3 points on 49 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is averaging 33.5 points and 8.2 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 26.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. LeBron James is the third double-digit scorer, and Deandre Ayton is grabbing 8.6 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 34.6 percent from beyond the arc and 78 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 38.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.9 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Trail Blazers and Heat, and they play the Hawks next. The Pelicans have lost 7 straight games.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 115.6 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 123.1 points on 48.8 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Trey Murphy III is averaging 20.5 points and 6.1 rebounds. Jordan Poole is the third double-digit scorer and Saddiq Bey is dishing 2.3 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 34.1 percent from beyond the arc and 79 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.4 rebounds per game.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Lakers have lost five of their last eight games as road favorites following a win.
- The home team has won three of the last four games between the Lakers and Pelicans.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites following a win.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in seven of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 11 night games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Lakers have won each of their last nine night games against Southwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The favorites have covered the spread in six of the Pelicans’ last seven games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six games as home underdogs against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Nine of the Lakers’ last 10 night games on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Derik Queen is one of only five players to have made 8+ field goals without a miss in a game this season.
- Trey Murphy III ranks 2nd amongst qualified Forwards for FT% (91.0%) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Marcus Smart is one of only five players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game this season.
- LeBron James is one of only 13 players in the league to have recorded 10+ assists without a turnover in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for H2 win percentage this season (29.7%).
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (2148) this season.
- Eight different Lakers players have scored 25+ points in a game this season – equal-most in the league.
- The Lakers rank 2nd in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (40.2).
Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, and Herbert Jones.
The Lakers will be without Adou Thiero, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves. Gabe Vincent is questionable.
Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
Right when it looked like the Pelicans were turning the corner, they’re 0-7 SU and ATS in their last 7 games. Throw in the fact the Pelicans have lost 16 times at home, it’s hard to get behind this team with confidence. The Lakers have put together a strong week and there’s a chance they get Vincent back, which is a decent depth piece. The Lakers have won 9 of the last 10 games against the Pelicans, not losing since December 2023. The Lakers beat the Pels twice this season, both decided by double-digit points. I’ll lay the points with the Lakers.