After the All-Star Game, the NBA will return to action with another entertaining matchday, in which we will be able to enjoy this Pelicans vs Raptors matchup, pitting two teams searching for a playoff spot.
The first clash of the campaign between these teams saw the Pelicans win by a 108-126 thrashing; however, with the Raptors being home now and coming into the game in better shape, things could be different here.
Without further introduction, JefeBet presents the best preview for the New Orleans Pelicans vs Toronto Raptors game, along with the most accurate predictions and odds for all the best basketball games in the world.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the New Orleans Pelicans vs Toronto Raptors NBA Regular Season Game on February 23, 2023
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
- When: Thursday, February 23, 2023, 7:30 PM ET
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Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans
- Regular Season Record: 30-29
The New Orleans Pelicans’ first two months of the season were sensational; however, key players got injured and dampened their performance. The one who got the worst is their young star, Zion Williamson, who is expected to be back on the court in early March. The Pelicans are already seventh in the Western Conference standings, but they know they need to react as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The New Orleans team’s most recent game was on February 15 at the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, where they were outplayed from the start, with a 38-point first half that set the stage for a 102-120 loss. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum were the Pelicans’ top performers in that game, with 25 and 22 points, respectively.
So far, the Pelicans average 114.9 points scored and 113.5 points allowed, pretty decent numbers that give fans hope that they can stay afloat while Williamson recovers.
Betting on the Toronto Raptors
- Regular Season Record: 28-31
For their part, the Toronto Raptors have managed to make up some ground in recent weeks, as they are on a two-game winning streak and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, which happens to be the last place that gives the golden ticket to the play-in tournament. However, they have a two-game lead over their closest rival.
The Raptors’ most recent victory took place against the Orlando Magic, in a game in which, except for the second quarter, they totally dominated their opponent, tilting things in their favor by a score of 113-123. Paskal Siakam scored 26 points in that game, while Fred VanVleet recorded a double-double of 10 points and 15 assists.
Further improvement seems feasible for the Canadian team this time around, as they have looked their best at home, posting an 18-13 record, scoring 113.6 points per game and allowing 111.2.
JefeBet Prediction
The Pelicans are still not finding their best version, and going on the road only complicates things for them, given that they average 116.9 points allowed in that condition, so even an unproductive offense like the Raptors’ could give them a lot of trouble.
In addition, the Raptors have looked very solid playing at home, even covering the Spread in 17 of their 31 games at home. Therefore, we expect the Pelicans vs Raptors to be an entertaining game, but it will be the Raptors who end up setting the pace and taking a comfortable win.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors Spread.