Hiram Moreno
On Monday, January 16, 2023, the NBA action will start a little earlier than usual, as we will have games from the early afternoon until midnight almost – a blessing for all basketball fans.
One of the clashes to be played this week will be the Pelicans vs Cavaliers, where two teams that have had an excellent campaign and are at the top of their conferences, will be looking to continue adding wins to their records.
Here, at JefeBet, we have prepared the best odds and predictions for the New Orleans Pelicans vs Cleveland Cavaliers game, along with the individual previews for each of the teams.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Pelicans vs Cavaliers NBA Regular Season Game on January 16, 2023
- Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio
- When: Monday, January 16, 2023, 3:00 PM E.T.
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Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans
- Season record: 26-17
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the teams that has surprised everyone in the West. In part, this is because of Zion Williamson, who finally seems to be healthy, and CJ McCollum who always delivers. The team is ranked fourth in their conference, and it is 4.5 games above the play-in zone, and it is only 3.5 games away from the top.
However, 2023 has not been very good for the Pelicans, as they have lost four of the seven games they have played this year. Although, the last game they played resulted in a 116-110 victory against the Pistons. In that game, Jonas Valanciunas scored 33 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.
The contribution of these players will be much needed, as Williamson is confirmed out for this game against the Cavs, and without him, the team will lose a man who averages 26.0 points per game.
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Season record: 27-17
It was expected that the Cleveland Cavaliers would do better this season, but no one thought they would be this good. The Ohio franchise is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and 3.0 games above the play-in zone, so if they continue like this they could qualify directly to the next postseason.
The problem is that, much like their opponent, the Cavs are being inconsistent. In their last six games, they have been alternating between wins and losses. The last game they played was a 110-102 loss to the Timberwolves.
That game against Minnesota ended a five-game away stretch, and now they will return home where they have a 18-4 record. This is in part to having one of the best defenses in the league, with the second best defensive rating in the NBA at 111.0.
JefeBet Prediction
Williamson’s absence will likely weigh heavily in this particular Pelicans vs Cavaliers clash, as the Pelicans will need a man of his size and power to overcome a home defense that is one of the most solid ones in the league.
Despite this, New Orleans has been doing well on offense, scoring at least 114 points in each of its last four games. Moreover, even if the Cavaliers may have a good defense, it has been failing them when playing at home. A sign of this is that they allowed more than 115 points in three of their last four games in front of their fans.
Both teams defend well, but they have enough talent to make this game go to the Over, even if only by a few points.
Prediction: Over
