The New Orleans Pelicans have won three straight after an 0-7 stretch and they might salvage a season that looked like it was going to be sunk by the time Zion Williamson gets back from injury. Now, they’re back to 29-27, two games over .500 and in seventh in the West, but only three games out of third.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are even hotter at the moment. They’ve won four in a row to get to 35-22 and are fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Last time out they beat the Pistons, 113-85. Here are the odds for the Pelicans and Cavaliers in New Orleans:
Cavaliers vs. Pelicans odds, spread and total
Cavaliers vs. Pelicans prediction and pick
Brandon Ingram came back from injury and instantly stabilized New Orleans. His health is still a concern, but for now, he’s carrying this team. Ingram missed the middle of this three-game win streak, but he’s been stellar in his last three games. He is third in the NBA in points per game over the most recent three just behind Cam Thomas and Damian Lillard with 32.5 points a game, and he’s done it without really scoring from the outside at all.
Over the last four games, in which Cleveland is 4-0 and New Orleans is 3-1, the Pelicans have the best offensive rating in the NBA and Cleveland is third. Both teams are playing great on the offensive end, but Cleveland is No. 1 in defensive efficiency in that stretch while the Pels are 17th.
On offense Ingram and CJ McCollum can match Donnovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on defense will be the difference in this one.
Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change