Raptors vs Pelicans Prediction, Picks, & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

It was another heartbreaking loss for the Toronto Raptors last time out but there is no denying this rebuilding squad has some bite.

Tonight, the Raps take on a New Orleans Pelicans team with a matching 4-14 record. My Raptors vs. Pelicans predictions look at why the Raps have an opportunity as slight underdogs against a Pels team devastated by injuries.

Here are my NBA picks for this game on Wednesday, Nov. 27 with a 8 p.m. ET tip at the Smoothie King Center on TSN.

Raptors vs Pelicans prediction

My Raptors pick
Raptors moneyline (+125 at PointsBet Canada)

My analysis

On Sunday, the Toronto Raptors were stunned by Jaden Ivey as the Detroit Pistons guard hit a runner at the buzzer to sink them 102-100. 

Despite the ugly record, there have been a lot of positives for this Raptors team. The young core is buying into head coach Darko Rajakovic’s system, which is predicated on a high tempo and ball movement.

While the Raptors would still like to improve their efficiency, they are making up for that with quantity. Toronto is taking the fifth-most field-goal attempts per game while ranking eighth in assist rate.

Now, because the Raps still aren’t a great shooting team, they experience a wide array of outcomes when it comes to scoring.

However, I like their chances to be productive against the New Orleans Pelicans, who have been bitten by one of the largest injury bugs on record.

Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado are all out and while the Pelicans recently got CJ McCollum back, now Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy III are both questionable to play.

The injuries mean the Pels have had absolutely no continuity and it has cost them at both ends of the floor. New Orleans is 27th in offensive rating and 28th in defensive rating, resulting in just one win in the last 12 games.

So, that sets things up well for the Raptors tonight. Their improving offense and overall hustle have made them a great bet all season, going 12-6 against the spread. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have had a lot of issues navigating those injuries and are 6-12 ATS.

All things considered, with a spread this low, I like the value with the Raptors to earn a victory in the Big Easy tonight.

Raptors vs Pelicans same-game parlay

Raptors moneyline

Davion Mitchell Over 4.5 Assists

Ochai Agbaji Over 8.5 Points

+425 at PointsBet Canada

While the likes of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl are the key to this Raptors team, they are also getting solid contributions up and down the roster.

Backup point guard Davion Mitchell has done well as a playmaker in Immanuel Quickley’s absence. Mitchell is averaging 5.7 assists per game this season and will face a Pelicans team that allows the sixth-most assists per game this season. Mitchell’s assist prop is set at 4.5, and he’s topped that number in 12 of his last 16 games.

Meanwhile, Ochai Agbaji has added some offense. The 24-year-old is averaging 11.6 points per game this season, which includes shooting an impressive 42.3% from 3-point range. Now, he’s in a bit of a slump but that's just giving us a good number on his point total of 8.5. I like him to get a bit more of a run with Gradey Dick out again, bust out of his funk, and hit the Over tonight.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Raptors vs Pelicans odds

Raptors vs Pelicans live odds

Raptors vs Pelicans opening odds

• Spread: Toronto +3 | New Orleans -3
• Moneyline: Toronto +125 | New Orleans -150
• Over/Under: Over 223 | Under 223

Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada

Raptors vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis

• The Raptors opened as 3-point road underdogs and were initially faded to 3.5 before action brought the line down to 2.5. As of writing the spread has returned to the opening number.
• The Raptors have been one of the better bets in the NBA this season with a 12-6 mark ATS. That said, New Orleans has covered three in a row at home and four of six overall.
• The total hit the board at 223 and has been bet down slightly to 222.5 as of early Wednesday afternoon.
• The Pelicans aren't scoring and play at the fifth-slowest pace in the NBA, so it's no surprise the Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. But the total will come down to whether or not the Raptors can score. Their combination of high pace and poor defense creates Over opportunities against poor defensive teams.

Raptors vs Pelicans trend

The Pelicans have only hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 40 games at home dating back to last season for -22.45 Units and a -24% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Pelicans.

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Raptors vs Pelicans latest injuries

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