Pelicans vs. Lakers Odds & Betting Predictions - March 5, 2025

🔑 Pelicans +8.5 -108 (FanDuel) 3u 🔨 time. Been a rough night already but the Pelicans gonna help us. Pels are coming into a great spot to upset or at least keep it close with the Lakers. Anytime Zion plays, they can keep it close. Model gives it a B+ grade and a projected 5.8 line. Sharp money on Pels too

Expect a more featured role on the team going forward. He’s coming off a 19 point game vs. LAC. Amidst a roller coaster of a rookie season, Knecht has remained confident and this is about as ideal as it gets. With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out, the Lakers will need their sharpshooter to step up against a favorable matchup. He should have a solid floor of 20-25 minutes tonight against New Orleans. The Pelicans' defensive scheme works in his favor— they rank 23rd in defending above-the-break threes, where Knecht takes 36% of his shots. They're also 26th in defending spot-ups, often collapsing on the drives of opposing stars, leaving catch-and-shoot opportunities wide open. Additionally, New Orleans ranks 29th in three-point defense. Beyond the wide-open looks he’ll get, the absence of Reaves and Hachimura should lead to 10-12 designed plays for the Lakers. Gabe Vincent may get some, but Knecht will likely be the primary beneficiary. Even before Luka's arrival, in games without Reaves, Knecht took 8+ field goal attempts in all but one game (against Miami, which was a tough matchup). With the expected volume and minutes, it's all about whether he can hit those open shots. #PlayerProps

Lakers’ defense tightening up – allowing just 101.0 PPG last 5 games. Opponents shooting 41.0% FG, 32.7% from deep. Interior D strong – holding teams to 43.0 RPG. Pelicans’ pace slowing – 112.2 PPG in last 5, down from season average of 116.6. Zion facilitating more (10 APG last 2), shifting focus from scoring. Road offense weaker – 107.5 PPG away. Last 4 matchups between these teams hit the under. Lakers held Pelicans to 99 PTS last meeting. Key injuries – Hachimura out for LAL, Reaves and LeBron questionable. Depth concerns limit offensive ceiling.