The New Orleans Pelicans are continuing to survive their remaining games, starting with their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pelicans are indeed fighting for their survival as they suffer from injuries after injuries. As for the Cavaliers, although they have injured guys, they are still able to put up strong games recently. The Pelicans however, are coming from a 116-110 win against the Pistons, while the Cavaliers are from a 110-102 loss against the Timberwolves. Pelicans and Cavaliers meet on January 17, 2023, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8), when the Cavaliers entertain the Pelicans.
These two teams are from different conferences, as the Cavaliers are from the East while the Pelicans are from the West. This meeting will be the first time these two teams will be meeting each other in the regular season. The hosts are in the fifth of the Eastern Conference with 27 wins from their 44 matches. They are doing well at home, winning 18 of their 22 home games. On the other hand, the visitors are at the third of the Western Conference, having 26 wins from their 43 games. On the road, they are not doing good, winning only nine of their 21 away games.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are seeking for more wins as they continue trying to go past the top two of their conference. From their recent games, this squad showed that they are capable of scoring in the paint and in the perimeter. In fact, they are shooting 36.5% beyond the arc, which is the 11th-highest three point shooting percentage in the NBA now. However, they are not doing that well from the free-throw line. They are scoring 78% from the free-throw line, the 17th highest in the NBA. Additionally, they are also able to contest shots of their opponents, both inside and outside shots. They allow their opponents to shoot just 34,1% from beyond the arc. They are the fourth in offense, having 117.3 points per game, and 16th in defense, surrendering 113.3 points per game.
They have key players who will not play in this game. Herb Jones is questionable, as he is still suffering from his back issue. Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and E.J. Liddell are all out, following their injuries.
Cleveland Cavaliers
This squad have been fairly, following their recent results in the league. They are five games behind the first spot, Boston Celtics. Cavaliers have shown that there are several players who can heat up beyond the arc. This is not surprising though as they are averaging 36% from the three-point line, the 13th highest in the NBA. From the free-throw line, they are also doing quite well, having a 78.1% shooting percentage. Additionally, when it comes to defense, they are actually allowing their opponents to shoot 36.6% from deep, which is not a good sight. If they want to challenge the Pelicans, what they must do is that they must close out on open jump shooters. In offense, they are the 26th, with 111.5 points per game, and the first in defense, giving up just 107 points per game.
Just like their opponent, they also have important players who will not play in this match. They will be without Dylan Windler, and Dean Wade, who are suffering from ankles and shoulder injury respectively.
Prediction:
Cleveland Cavaliers
Total Under: 114.5
Odds: 0.91
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