Pelicans vs. Raptors, 2/23/23 NBA Betting Prediction, Odds & Trends

Pelicans vs. Raptors Prediction & Odds

The NBA will begin its second half on Thursday night and one of the matchups will take place in Toronto where the Raptors will host the Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET.

With the Raptors laying 4.5 points and the total sitting at 225.5, what’s the best bet tonight?

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

509 New Orleans Pelicans (+5.5) at 510 Toronto Raptors (-5.5); o/u 225.5

7:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, February 23, 2023

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON

Pelicans vs. Raptors Public Betting Information

Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 69% of public bettors are currently backing the Raptors when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.

New Orleans Pelicans DFS Spin

C.J. McCollum played 34 minutes in Wednesday's 120-102 loss to the Lakers, tallying 22 points (8-of-16 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, nine assists, two blocks, and three 3-pointers. McCollum's nine assists are the most he's had in a game since January 13, when he dished out nine in a win over the Pistons. He's had seven or more in five of his last seven appearances, a stretch in which he's averaging a shade under seven per. The increased assist production is one reason why McCollum's providing 5th-round, per-game value in 9-cat formats over the last two weeks, one round higher than his season-long value. With Zion Williams (hamstring) suffering a setback in his recovery recently, the Pelicans will need even more from McCollum as they look to lock down a postseason berth in the West.

Toronto Raptors DFS Spin

Gary Trent Jr. (left calf strain) and Thaddeus Young (left knee strain) went through a good practice Tuesday and are expected to play in Thursday's tilt with the Pelicans. GTJ missed the Raptors' final two games before the All-Star break, but he, Young and O.G. Anunoby (wrist) should all be available against New Orleans. With the team finally back at full strength after adding Jakob Poeltl, one of the usual starters will have to shift back to the bench. We're guessing it's Trent Jr., who spent part of the season as Toronto's Sixth Man. If that ends up being the case, Toronto would start Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, Anunoby and Poeltl. Trent Jr. will still be a no-brainer option in 12-team leagues, while Young remains off the fantasy radar due to his general lack of involvement in the Raptors' rotation.

Pelicans vs. Raptors NBA Betting Trends

Under is 8-3-1 in Pelicans last 12 vs. a team with a losing straight up record

Over is 15-6 in Pelicans last 21 games following a ATS loss

Over is 4-1 in Raptors last 5 home games

Over is 6-2 in Raptors last 8 overall

Pelicans vs. Raptors NBA Prediction:

The Pelicans are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games versus the Raptors and have covered in five of their last six games in Toronto. The Raptors, meanwhile, have failed to cover in five of their last six games playing on three or more days of rest and are just 2-5 against the number in their last seven games when their opponent allowed 100 points or more in its previous contest.

NBA BETTING PREDICTION: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS +5.5