Los Angeles Lakers @ New Orleans Pelicans 01/06/2026
Two Western Conference teams heading in different directions meet at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (8:00 p.m. CT) in New Orleans. It’s the Lakers on the road against the Pelicans, a matchup that matters for playoff positioning on one side and pride on the other. For bettors, this game checks a lot of boxes: contrasting form lines, a clear trend in combined scoring profiles, and a recent head-to-head tilt that leaned firmly purple and gold.
The Lakers come in with a strong overall record and a top-eight Western Conference standing, while the Pelicans have struggled to stack wins, especially at home. Los Angeles has traveled well this season, and their road form is a key lever in handicapping this spot. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, under head coach Willie Green, have battled inconsistency and availability, but they still have dynamic playmaking and shooting that can pop on any given night.
From a total angle, the average scoring output from both sides points toward a quicker pace and plenty of shot-making. Against-the-spread trends tilt toward the road team’s profile, and the moneyline picture favors Los Angeles with a comfortable—but not prohibitive—edge. Let’s break down where the actionable value sits.
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Our betting predictions: Los Angeles Lakers @ New Orleans Pelicans
Main Tip: Spread pick – Lakers -6.5
Our primary betting prediction leans on the Spread: Lakers -6.5 at approximately -120 at BetMGM. Explanation: The Lakers’ road résumé, plus their consistent half-court creation, gives them multiple pathways to cover. New Orleans’ recent form has dipped, particularly in late-game execution. The Lakers generate enough efficient possessions to grind out separation by the mid-fourth quarter. Betting tip: Lay the points with Los Angeles to cover the spread.
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Pick 2: Over/Under – Over 233.5
2) Over/Under: Over 233.5 at around -115 at bet365. Explanation: Using season-to-date averages, the Lakers are producing roughly 117.2 points per game while allowing about 117.4. The Pelicans average approximately 115.4 and concede about 123.1. That combined offensive/defensive blend projects a high-230s environment with upside toward the 240 range if pace accelerates. Betting tip: Play the Over 233.5.
Pick 3: Moneyline – Lakers ML
3) Moneyline: Lakers ML projected fair price at bet365 (about 66% win chance), Pelicans at plus value (about 34%). Explanation: With Los Angeles’ road edge and steadier late-game shot creation, the probability leans toward the visitors. If you prefer less volatility than the spread, the moneyline parlay leg or straight ML look has value at or better than a -195 fair number. Betting tip: Lakers to win on the moneyline.
Team Statistics: Where the West’s momentum meets a home-court crossroads
Western Conference lens only:
- Los Angeles Lakers: 21 wins, 11 losses; strong top-eight position in the West; impressive road form.
- New Orleans Pelicans: 8 wins, 28 losses; near the bottom of the West; home results have lagged.
Los Angeles Lakers (away):
- Form snapshot: 3 wins, 2 losses across the last five games—enough stability to trust their baseline level even when shots aren’t falling early.
- Last result: Took care of business at home against Memphis.
- Points profile: About 117.2 points per game scored and 117.4 conceded. The minimal differential suggests shootouts are frequent, and the Lakers often rely on late-game shot-making and free throws to tilt margins.
- Road/venue lens: Los Angeles has been notably reliable away from home this year, handling environments like New Orleans with poise.
New Orleans Pelicans (home):
- Form snapshot: 0 wins, 5 losses across the last five—slumps have included slow starts and difficulty closing.
- Last result: Fell on the road at Miami.
- Points profile: Roughly 115.4 points per game scored, with about 123.1 allowed—a gap that has put pressure on their half-court defense and transition coverage.
- Home/venue lens: At Smoothie King Center, results haven’t kept pace with expectations, but the energy in the building can still swing short momentum bursts if they’re hitting threes and getting to the line.
Keyplayer Statistics/Momentum/External Factors
Los Angeles leans on elite shot creation and late-clock playmaking to steady the ship on the road, supported by secondary scorers who can punish mismatches. New Orleans’ ceiling hinges on star shot creation and wing defense; when they pressure the ball and run off turnovers, they’re dangerous. Coaching matters here: under head coach Willie Green, the Pelicans look for balance between pace and half-court flow, but execution consistency has been a challenge in crunch time. Travel favors the Lakers’ profile, and their recent five-game form is steadier. Keep an eye on official availability updates closer to tip—any news on lead creators or key 3-and-D wings can nudge the spread by a point or two and influence the total’s closing number.
Last direct match
The most recent meeting went to the Lakers in a high-scoring affair in Los Angeles, a result that reinforced their current matchup edge.
Performance last 5 Matches
- New Orleans Pelicans: 0 wins, 5 losses
- Los Angeles Lakers: 3 wins, 2 losses
Head-to-head trend
Over the last five meetings, Los Angeles has taken all five, underscoring the current stylistic and execution edge.
Team Statistics (Western Conference context)
- Lakers: 21-11 overall, traveling well, and landing in that top-eight band in the West. Their average scoring and conceding rates imply high-variance totals but a consistent closing kick when games tighten.
- Pelicans: 8-28 overall and near the bottom of the West. Home results have not matched their on-paper talent, and the defensive average against has been the biggest hurdle.
TrustnBet Final Thoughts
Spread: Lakers -6.5 at approximately -120. The road form, late-game poise, and two-way shot creation lean toward a multi-possession win. Over/Under: Over 233.5. The combined scoring averages and defensive concessions point to a fast, offense-forward script. – Moneyline: Lakers around a fair price (66% win chance). If you prefer lower volatility than a spread ticket, the moneyline is a solid anchor.
How we got here: The Lakers’ away profile and shot-creation equity translate into cover potential, while the Pelicans’ recent defensive numbers and home form open the door for the Over to cash. Head-to-head trends plus Western Conference positioning back the idea that Los Angeles is better equipped to control late possessions. As always, monitor official reports before tip—any swing in key availability can move this number. But as it stands, the blend of form, averages, and matchup history supports Lakers -6.5, Over 233.5, and Lakers on the moneyline.
