Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans, Prediction and Picks, Friday, November 14, 2025
Use Code SSWC Luka Doncic visits the Emerald City in this Lakers vs. Pelicans prediction. The Lakers (8-4) are off to a solid start, despite not having LeBron James, who is getting close to returning from a back injury. It's been a disastrous start for New Orleans (2-9), which has lost three straight after beating Dallas and Charlotte in back-to-back games. These teams meet on Friday in the NBA Group Cup stage matchup. Last season, the Lakers took all three games SU, but went 1-1-1 ATS. Check out Stat Salt for more NBA Free Picks and winners in the other six major sports.
Quick Picks and Prediction on Lakers vs. Pels
If you're in a hurry, we have what you're looking for before checking the rest of the article out
- Los Angeles Lakers 114-New Orleans 110
- New Orleans covers the spread
- The total goes under
Lakers vs. Pelicans Odds and Line Movement
Check out the opening odds and line movement below in the Lakers vs. Pelicans.
Opening Odds for Lakers vs. Pels
- The Lakers opened as a 10-point favorite (-105)
- The total opened at 229.5 (-110)
(odds from Caesar's Sportsbook)
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Lakers vs. Pelicans Line Movement
- The total moved from o229.5 (-110) to o229.0 (-115) and u2295.5 (-110) to u229.0 (-105)
- The spread moved from -10 (-105) to -10.5 (-105)
Key Matchups for Lakers vs. Pelicans
Lakers crushed by OKC
Los Angeles met Oklahoma City on Wednesday night and were crushed 121-92. That came two games after getting thumped by Atlanta 122-102, were playing without Trae Young due to injury. The Lakers were never even competitive against the Thunder as 8-point underdogs. They were down 70-38 at the half and never recovered. Luka Doncic was held to 19 points on 1-of-7 three-point shooting, while Austin Reaves went 4-of-12 from the field and 0-for-5 from beyond the arc.
James (back) is practicing with the G-League as the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer is ramping up his rehab to make his debut. The Lakers have played well without him, led by Doncic (34.9ppg, 8.9apg, and 9.1rpg) and Reaves (28.3ppg, 8.3apg). The addition of Deandre Ayston (7-0, 252) has been a big help at center as the former Trail Blazers is averaging 15.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
Queen is a rare bright spot with Williamson out
Rookie forward Derik Queen had a strong freshman campaign at Maryland that earned some "baby Joker" comparisons. There were questions about his conditioning and defense, so he wound up being taken 13th by Atlanta, who traded his rights to New Orleans. The Pels traded their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta and now that seems a bit. Queen has been progressing in each game as he scored 26 points off the bench in Wednesday's 125-117 loss to Portland at home. Saddiq Bey added 25 points, but it wasn't enough as the Blazers shot 58% from the field.
The Pels have lost three straight games, but are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games. They've been playing without F Zion Williamson (hamstring) and G Jordan Poole (quad). Williamson has played in just five games, averaging 22.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Poole has played in seven games and was averaging 17.3 points, but shooting just 35.4% from the field (33.9% 3pt). Trey Murphy III has stepped up offensively with 18.5 points and 6.8 rebounds, but is shooting just 43.5% from the field and 35.2% from long range.
Betting Trends for Lakers vs. Pelicans
Lakers:
- 6-2 ATS last 8 games.
- 5-1 ATS last 6 in series.
New Orleans:
- 5-2 Over last 7 in series.
Key Injuries and Analysis for LA Lakers vs. Pelicans
Lakers:
- F LeBron James (back) is expected to return in a couple of weeks. Averaged 24.4ppg, 8.2apg, and 7.8rpg last season.
Pelicans:
- F Zion Williamson (hamstring) is out. Was averaging 22.4 points and 6.8 rebounds
- G Jordan Poole (quad strain) is out. Was averaging over 17 points per gaem.
Lakers vs. Pelicans ATS and Over/Under Betting Picks
Check out the side and total below in this Western Conference matchup. Key injuries to both teams impact the odds and line movement.
Lakers vs. Pelicans Spread
- New Orleans +10.5 (4 units)
Total for Lakers vs. Pels
- Under 229 (4 units)
Lakers vs. Pelicans Final Score Prediction
- Los Angeles Lakers 114-New Orleans 110
The Lakers have been terrible in two of their last three games. Part of the problem is their bench, which will get better when James returns. The Lakers are also struggling from beyond the arc, making just 33.7% of their shots to rank 22nd in the NBA. Queen is a very skilled big man who does play a little like a 20-year-old Nikola Jokic without the three-point shot (yet). He's not easy to defend due to his vision and unselfishness. New Orleans is going to struggle offensively without Williamson and, to a lesser extent, Poole. The Pels have gone under three of their last five games.
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