New Orleans Pelicans vs Toronto Raptors Picks and Predictions November 27th 2024

Pelicans vs Raptors November 27th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the New Orleans Pelicans (-164) will host the Toronto Raptors (+138) in a non-conference matchup. The Pelicans are 3.5-point favorites over the Raptors, and the over/under line for the game is 222.5.

Both teams enter the game with identical 4-14 records, and the Pelicans have lost five straight while the Raptors have dropped their last two. Tip-off will be at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, and the game will be televised on Gulf.

Raptors vs. Pelicans Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Toronto Raptors at New Orleans Pelicans
• Where: New Orleans at Smoothie King Center
• Date: Wednesday, November 27th
• Betting Odds NO -3.5, TOR +138 | NO -164 O/U 222.5

The Raptors Can Win If…

The Raptors fell to 4-14 on the season after a 102-100 loss to the Pistons on Monday. Toronto, who entered the game as +4 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread, but the game’s total of 202 points fell well short of the 219.5 O/U line.

Toronto appeared poised for an upset, leading 80-72 after three quarters. They outscored Detroit 32-24 in the third after a strong 2nd quarter, but the Pistons rallied in the 4th, outscoring the Raptors 30-20 to seal the win.

In their 102-100 loss to the Pistons, the Raptors struggled offensively, shooting just 39.4% from the field and hitting 28.6% of their three-point attempts, making 10 threes in total. Scottie Barnes led the way with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, connecting on 3 threes at a 37.5% rate.

RJ Barrett added 17 points, while Chris Boucher chipped in 10. Barnes did most of his damage in the 2nd quarter, scoring 17 points, and added 9 more in the 4th. Barrett also contributed 7 points in the final period.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Raptors couldn’t hold off the Pistons, giving up 102 points in the loss. Toronto’s defense was solid in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 19 points, but they gave up 30 in the 4th. Overall, they held Detroit to 44% shooting from the field.

The Raptors limited the Pistons to 12 made threes on 32% shooting from beyond the arc. They also sent Detroit to the line 31 times, where the Pistons made 22 free throws. Toronto finished with 27 defensive rebounds, allowing 6 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 5 blocks.

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Toronto has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 110 per game. The team went 0-3 overall in these games.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Raptors have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• Over their last three games, the Raptors have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Pelicans Can Win If…

After a 114-110 loss to the Pacers on Monday, the Pelicans’ record dropped to 4-14. New Orleans, who were +8 point underdogs, kept it close on the road, losing by just four points. The game’s total of 224 points fell just under the O/U line of 227.

New Orleans went on an 11-0 run early, extending their lead from 27-13 to 38-13. They won the 2nd quarter 32-30 but couldn’t gain ground, as the Pacers edged them 28-26 in the 3rd. The teams were even in the 4th, each scoring 27 points.

The Pelicans shot 51.7% from the field in their 114-110 loss to the Pacers, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 9 threes at a 27.3% clip. Trey Murphy III led the way with 24 points, including 11 in the 2nd quarter.

CJ McCollum added 23 points, scoring 9 in the 3rd and 7 in the 4th. Yves Missi contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Elfrid Payton had 8 of his 14 points in the final period.

Defensively, the Pelicans gave up 114 points to the Pacers on Monday, allowing 29 points in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 2nd. They tightened up in the 3rd and 4th quarters, giving up 28 and 27 points, respectively.

New Orleans held Indiana to 47% shooting overall, including 36% from three, where the Pacers made 17 threes. The Pelicans sent the Pacers to the line 16 times, where they hit 11 free throws. New Orleans also recorded 9 steals and 3 blocks.

• Through their last ten home games, New Orleans has an ATS record of just 1-9. However, their overall record was 1-9 while averaging 97 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the favorite, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-4.
• In their last three games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Pelicans is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 120-105. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Pelicans at -3.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 222.5 and our model has the Raptors and Pelicans finishing with a combined 225 points. Our pick is to take the over.

NBA Picks & Predictions

Bad Luck and Injuries Hamper Slow-Starting Raptors and Pelicans

The Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans face off on Wednesday night, both desperate for a victory to break their respective losing streaks. While each team has shown glimpses of potential, injuries and late-game struggles have held them back from achieving better results.

A Tale of Two Struggling Teams

Both teams are battling through challenging stretches:

• Toronto Raptors: They remain winless on the road this season, with an 0-10 record, tying a franchise mark for most consecutive road losses to start a season. Overall, the team has lost nine of its last 11 games, including three of their past four by margins of four points or fewer.
• New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans have dropped five straight games and 11 of their last 12. Like the Raptors, they’ve been competitive in recent contests but unable to secure wins, with back-to-back four-point losses to Indiana and other close finishes.

Late-Game Execution: A Shared Struggle

For both teams, the ability to perform under pressure has been a consistent hurdle:

• Toronto Raptors: Their recent 102-100 loss to Detroit highlighted their inability to close out games. Despite creating significantly more scoring opportunities (28 more field-goal attempts than Detroit), the team converted just 39.4% of their shots. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic admitted the team needs to “do a better job of executing down the stretch.”
• New Orleans Pelicans: Similarly, the Pelicans fell short in crunch time during their 114-110 loss to Indiana. Coach Willie Green emphasized the importance of maintaining resilience and focus, stating, “Eventually, we will overcome this situation and be better for it in the long run.”

Injury Troubles

Both teams have faced an uphill battle due to injuries:

• Raptors: While the article doesn’t specify individual injuries, their performance suggests depth issues and possible roster setbacks.
• Pelicans: Injuries have significantly disrupted New Orleans’ rhythm:
  • Guard CJ McCollum returned Monday after a lengthy absence, scoring 23 points in his first game back since Oct. 29. His return adds much-needed offensive firepower.
  • Starting guard Dejounte Murray is expected to make his first appearance since breaking his hand in the season opener. His return could strengthen the Pelicans’ backcourt and improve their defensive capabilities.

Bright Spots Amid Challenges

Despite their struggles, standout performances offer hope for both teams:

• Elfrid Payton (Pelicans): In their loss to Indiana, Payton dished out a career-high 21 assists, the most by any NBA player this season. Coach Green praised Payton’s ability to impact the game, calling him “scrappy” and “sound.”
• CJ McCollum (Pelicans): McCollum’s return to form was evident as he found his rhythm in the second half of Monday’s game, delivering key points when his team needed them most.
• Raptors’ Resilience: Rajakovic continues to encourage his players to embrace the challenge of close games, focusing on teaching his young roster the importance of composure under pressure.

A Must-Win Matchup

The head-to-head clash between the Raptors and Pelicans marks a critical moment for both teams. Each seeks to end its respective skid and find momentum moving forward. The Pelicans may have the upper hand with key players returning, but the Raptors are hungry to secure their first road win and turn a corner in their season.

Final Thoughts

The matchup between the Raptors and Pelicans is more than just another game; it’s a battle for redemption. Both teams have talent, but injuries and late-game lapses have kept them from achieving their potential. Wednesday’s game offers a chance for one team to find a spark and start climbing out of their early-season struggles.