New Orleans Pelicans 2022-23 Betting Guide
Ever since Zion Williamson landed in the Big Easy, there has been some buzz about the Pelicans. Unfortunately, he has been an injury concern throughout his entire career.
This year, that buzz is louder than ever as he is expected to be on the court, joining a team that fought Phoenix pretty hard in the playoffs last spring.
This is a very good roster and if they can get some good luck to go with it you can see how New Orleans is going to be a factor this season.
New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 Record: 36-46
2021-22 ATS Record: 41-40-1
2021-22 O/U Record: 32-48-2
2021-22 Year in Review
When you are missing your best player for the entire season it definitely puts a damper on things. However, that was not really the case for the Pelicans, who started very slow but worked their way into the play-in tournament and then the first round before losing against the Suns. The season also saw the acquisition of CJ McCollum and Larry Nance Jr from Portland, raising the talent level for Zion to return to. New Orleans proved to be a difficult team to match up with because they have so many varied scorers in CJ, Brandon Ingram, and big man Jonas Valanciunas. There was a lot of proof of concept last season.
2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans Futures
Southwest Division: +350
Western Conference: +2400
NBA Title: +5500
There are a number of players who missed all of last season that are being added back to winning teams. Kawhi Leonard is at the top of that list but after that Williamson is probably next up in terms of impact (maybe Jamal Murray). New Orleans had success last season, but Williamson is a true game-changer, especially on offense. The thing I really like about New Orleans is that they have so much versatility with their personnel.
The one thing the Pelicans do lack is that classic point guard type. They have lots of ball handlers but guys like McCollum and Ingram are more scorers than distributors. Wing Herb Jones was great as a rookie last season, providing significant defensive impact and emerging offensive skills to go with it. New Orleans seems to have everything needed for success, except continuity. This group has never done it together. Sometimes it all works and sometimes it doesn't.
New Orleans Pelicans - Bet to Consider
Herb Jones to Lead the NBA in Steals Per Game +600
It feels inevitable that Jones will win a Defensive Player of the Year award. He blocks some shots, but his greater value is making it hard to complete passes with his great anticipation and long wing span. Jones is going to spend a lot of time guarding ballhandlers too and that creates even more opportunities to get his hands on the ball. With a team like New Orleans, his developing offense is not going to limit his time on the court. He is third on the odds table but still a nice value.
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