New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Prediction 01/28/20

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The Cleveland Cavaliers (13-34) welcome the New Orleans Pelicans (18-29) to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavaliers are 6-point underdogs and can snap a seven-game home losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 231.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.

New Orleans Pelicans at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds

Both teams covered in their last matchup. The Cavaliers (1-point underdogs) defeated the Detroit Pistons 115-100, while the Pelicans (1.5-point favorite) beat the Boston Celtics 123-108. The Cleveland game went 4.5 points over the projected point total of 210.5, while the New Orleans game finished 3 points under the projected point total of 234.

New Orleans played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 23.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 (above their season average of 0.532). For those same stats, Boston was 16.3 and 0.506, respectively. Meanwhile, Cleveland played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 14.0) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.2 (above their season average of 24.0). For those same stats, Detroit was 15.7 and 20.9, respectively. Tristan Thompson played a key role for Cleveland with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, New Orleans was lifted by Zion Williamson, who recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The Pelicans dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last game, New Orleans won 140-124. The Pelicans’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Cavaliers. New Orleans had a rate of 33.3, while Cleveland posted a mark of 21.4. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 55.3 percent of their games have ended over the projected point total. New Orleans comes into the game with records of 18-29 straight up (SU) and 22-22-3 against the spread (ATS).

Cavaliers games have finished over the projected point total 54.3 percent of the time. Moreover, Cleveland is 13-34 SU and 19-25-2 ATS.

Points at the line might be scarce for New Orleans in this matchup. The Pelicans rank 25th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.181, while Cleveland ranks first in FTA rate allowed (0.158).

Pelicans vs. Cavaliers Free Pick

NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Pelicans rank 17th in points off turnovers per game (16.6) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (13.8).
  • New Orleans ranks seventh in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while Cleveland ranks last (6.4).
  • The Cavaliers rank seventh in second chance points per game (13.8) while the Pelicans rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (14.1).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (38.3) while Cleveland ranks 21st (31.5).
  • Cleveland ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (43.1) while New Orleans ranks 17th (46.0).
  • The Pelicans rank fifth in fast break points per game (16.5) while the Cavaliers rank 27th (10.3).
  • The Cavaliers rank 12th in points in the paint per game (48.4) while the Pelicans rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.4).
  • New Orleans averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 20th in the league. Cleveland ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (8.9).
  • New Orleans averages 25.6 assists per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 29th in assists allowed per game (25.7).
  • When holding opponents below 100 points, New Orleans is 3-0 and Cleveland is 4-3.
  • The Pelicans are 18-26 when they score above 100 points, while the Cavaliers are 12-22.
  • Cleveland is 8-14-1 ATS at home, while New Orleans is 10-10-3 ATS on the road.
  • The Pelicans have 13 overs and 10 unders in 23 road games.
  • The Cavaliers have 12 overs and 11 unders in 23 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Pelicans are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Cavaliers are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, New Orleans has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Cleveland has 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 120.4 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 118.2 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
  • The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 8.7 for the season.