Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/6
The Los Angeles Lakers will visit the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 6, 2026. The Lakers hold a record of 22-11, while the Pelicans stand at 8-29. The game will be aired on SN-LA.
Luka Dončić leads the Lakers with 33.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. The Pelicans are led by Zion Williamson, who averages 22.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Both teams are in the Western Conference, with the Lakers ranked 5th and the Pelicans at 15th.
Lakers vs Pelicans Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Betting Odds: Lakers -5.0, Pelicans +5.0
Los Angeles Lakers Team Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for their next game with Luka Dončić leading the charge. Dončić has been a standout, averaging 33.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. His recent performances include scoring 36 points against the Memphis Grizzlies in their latest win.
LeBron James is another key player for the Lakers, contributing with an average of 21.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. In their recent game against the Grizzlies, he added 26 points and 10 assists. The team also relies on Deandre Ayton, who averages 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
The Lakers have faced some challenges with injuries, including Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura being out. Despite these setbacks, the team is managing to keep their field goal percentage high, sitting at 50.1%, which ranks them second in the league. Their ability to score efficiently will be crucial as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans next.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have faced some tough opponents recently. They lost to the Miami Heat 125-106, with Trey Murphy III scoring 27 points. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, they fell 122-109 despite Zion Williamson’s 35-point effort.
On the season, the Pelicans are scoring 115.2 points per game, ranking them 21st in the league. They are shooting 46.1% from the field, placing them 22nd. Defensively, they are allowing 123.1 points per game, which is 28th in the league.
Key players for the Pelicans include Zion Williamson, who averages 22.8 points per game, and Trey Murphy III, who adds 20.7 points per game. Jeremiah Fears is contributing 14.5 points per game. However, the team is dealing with injuries, as Dejounte Murray and Saddiq Bey are currently out. Herbert Jones is questionable with an ankle sprain.
BTB Betting Pick
The Lakers are favored by 5 points against the Pelicans. With the Lakers’ strong shooting stats, like their 50.1% field goal percentage, they have an edge. The Pelicans allow 123.1 points per game, which could make it hard for them to stay close. The projected score is Lakers 122, Pelicans 115. The recommendation is to take the Lakers to cover the spread at -5.0.
The total for the game is set at 240. Both teams have high points allowed per game, with the Lakers at 117.3 and the Pelicans at 123.1. This suggests a high-scoring game. The projected total is 237 points, so the recommendation is to bet the under at 240.