NBA Predictions: Can Pelicans upset host Wizards? 12/19/17

Pelicans vs. Wizards Pick

Do the New Orleans Pelicans have the arsenal to upset the host Washington Wizards tonight at 7PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Wizards are a 3-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 218 points.

New Orleans comes into play with a 15-15 overall record and 16-13-1 ATS after a 117-111 overtime loss at the Nuggets. Washington is 16-14 overall and 14-16 ATS following a 106-99 home loss to the Cavaliers. The Wizards went 2-0 straight up and 2-0 ATS in two meetings last season. The under went 2-0.

In the loss at Denver, DeMarcus Cousins led New Orleans with 29 points and four rebounds but he also turned it over nine times. Anthony Davis contributed 28 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots. Jrue Holiday added 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. The Pelicans were outscored 13-7 in overtime.

Bradley Beal tallied 27 points, five rebounds and five assists in the loss to Cleveland. Mike Scott recorded 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals off the bench. John Wall added 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Washington was outscored 23-16 in the fourth quarter.

New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings. The under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.

Bet on Pelicans vs. Wizards

New Orleans has been a difficult team to gauge this season as it has shown the ability to beat anyone, but also lay duds. After a game in a tough environment in Denver, the Pelicans will want to bounce back at a Washington squad they have struggled against in recent years. Look for Cousins and Davis to overwhelm the interior of the Wizards. Check on the status of Washington forward Otto Porter Jr. (hip), who is questionable for the contest. His absence could shift the dynamic toward New Orleans even further.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS +3