Raptors vs Pelicans Picks and Prediction – 11/28/2024

On Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors (4-13) face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (4-13) at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions.

New Orleans comes into this game on a four-game losing streak and has dropped four of their last five games prior to their game against Indiana. In their recent game against the Golden State Warriors, the New Orleans Pelicans fell short with a final score of 112-108, despite a notable performance from Trey Murphy III, who managed to score 24 points. Throughout this season, Brandon Ingram has been the standout scorer for the Pelicans, boasting an impressive average of 22.9 points per game. Close behind him is Zion Williamson, who is contributing significantly with an average of 22.7 points per game. When it comes to rebounding, both Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson are leading the Pelicans, each pulling down an average of 8 rebounds per game. In terms of playmaking, Dejounte Murray also stands out as the team leader in assists, averaging 10 assists per game this season. However, the Pelicans' defensive struggles have been evident lately, as they have allowed an average of 114 points over their last five games. Currently, the team finds itself at the bottom of the Southwest Division standings, trailing Houston by seven and a half games for first. With their recent streak of losses, New Orleans is eager to turn things around in their upcoming matchup against another team that is facing its own challenges. On top of these issues, the Pelicans' scoring woes continue, as they hold the league's lowest average of just 103.8 points per game.

Toronto enters this matchup on a one-game losing streak and has dropped three of their last five games prior to their game against Detroit. In their 122-108 defeat to Cleveland, Scottie Barnes contributed 18 points for the Toronto Raptors. This season, RJ Barrett has been the team's top scorer, averaging an impressive 23.2 points per game, while Barnes follows as the second-highest scorer, putting up an average of 18.7 points per contest. On the boards, Jakob Poeltl has been the Raptors’ most dominant presence, hauling in an average of 12.3 rebounds per game. When it comes to playmaking, both RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes share the team lead in assists, dishing out 6.2 per game each. Defensively, the Raptors have struggled in recent games, surrendering an average of 114.2 points over their last five matchups. Sitting in fourth place in the Atlantic Division standings, Toronto trails division leader Boston by ten games. Determined to shift the momentum of their season, the Raptors aim to secure an important road win against the New Orleans Pelicans. On the year, Toronto has been averaging 112.9 points per game on offense as they continue working toward better consistency on both ends of the floor.

Toronto and New Orleans are both struggling significantly, having lost thirteen of their last seventeen games overall. Toronto's struggles are particularly evident in road games, where they’ve been completely unable to secure a win, losing all nine contests away from home. Meanwhile, New Orleans hasn’t fared much better at home, managing only three wins out of nine home games. Look for the home team to find that spark at home to get the win. Final Score Prediction, New Orleans Pelicans win and cover, 113-110.