The New Orleans Pelicans (13-13) meet the Philadelphia 76ers (13-12) at Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 10, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 223.5 points with New Orleans set as a 4.5-point favorite.
Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction
In the 76ers’ last matchup, they were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 105-98. Getting to the free throw line was one of Cleveland’s largest advantages. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Philadelphia had just 13. Ben Simmons played well for Philadelphia, contributing 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
The Pelicans were beaten by the Sacramento Kings in their last game, 116-109. Sacramento’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over New Orleans. The Kings had a rate of 28.2 (above their season average of 20.8), while the Pelicans posted a mark of 16.7 (below the 23.8 mark opponents have averaged against Sacramento this season). DeMarcus Cousins put together a solid game for New Orleans, leading both teams in scoring with 38 points on 14-for-30 shooting.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a matchup of two heavyweights. The upper-echelon New Orleans offense ranks fifth in the NBA in that metric at 0.545, while the top-notch Philadelphia defense is ranked fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.500).
Philadelphia comes into the contest with records of 13-12 straight up (SU) and 15-9 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is extremely precise when setting the total of 76ers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, New Orleans owns records of 13-13 SU and 14-12 ATS. Games including the Pelicans tend to finish over the projected point total (57.7 percent).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Pelicans won the last matchup 108-93. The Pelicans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.2 vs. 13.0) and had a better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 12.5).
Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Philadelphia is 7-4 ATS with 7 overs and 4 unders.
New Orleans is 6-7 ATS at home with 8 overs and 5 unders.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Philadelphia and New Orleans are both 4-0.
The 76ers are 12-7 when they reach 100 points, while the Pelicans are 11-8.
New Orleans ranks seventh in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while Philadelphia ranks 29th (5.7).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (48.7) while the Pelicans rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
Philadelphia averages 14.7 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
The Pelicans rank ninth in fast break points per game (12.7) while the 76ers rank 27th (8.6).
Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (25.9) while New Orleans ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (23.7).
The 76ers average 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 26th in steals allowed per game (9.0).
New Orleans ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (30.1) while Philadelphia ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (30.4).
The 76ers average 47.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.5).
New Orleans ranks 16th in points off turnovers per game (17.0) while Philadelphia ranks 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs over their last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 0.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 115.6 points per game (6.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.0 points per game (6.5 above their season average).
