By Stephen Nover
Pelicans minus 6 hosting Wizards
There are three things we know for sure about the Pelicans: They score a ton of points ranking No. 2 in the NBA at 118.2 per game. They have the best big man in basketball, Anthony Davis, who is healthy again. And the Pelicans are tough at home where they are 8-2.
These factors all contribute to the Pelicans being mid-sized favorites against the Wizards. Now, throw in short revenge and Washington in a flat spot and the Pelicans become a play for me.
The Wizards are off a 135-131 home overtime victory against the Rockets on Monday. Washington defeated New Orleans, 124-114, in its previous home game this past Saturday.
It’s the Pelicans’ turn to host the Wizards, who are 2-8 on the road this season. Washington has lost four of its past seven away matchups by 18 or more points.
Davis did not play against the Wizards in that first matchup five days ago. He’s back in the lineup and should dominate. Washington’s only player who has any hope of slowing down Davis just a little bit is well-traveled veteran Dwight Howard and he’s missed the last four games due to glute soreness.
New Orleans isn’t going to lack motivation. Not with short revenge and on a four-game losing streak, which includes a 124-107 home loss to the Celtics two nights ago. The Pelicans are not a good defensive team. But they should put out a strong effort after Boston made nearly 50 percent of its field goals and hit 19 3-pointers.
John Wall and Bradley Beal are the only Wizards who average more than 13 points a game. New Orleans have five players averaging more than 15 points. So its offense isn’t just about Davis.
The Wizards are going against a lot of trends here, two of them being they are 4-13 ATS following an ATS win and 2-12 in their last 14 road games versus opponents with a winning mark.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover is 29-19 on his NBA premium/free plays for 60 percent. If you are interested in his sports service please email or message him.)
