The recent run of the New Orleans Pelicans hasn’t gone unnoticed. They’re 7-1 SU over their last 8 games and have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5. Zion Williamson’s name is finally in the media, but for good reasons. Since the in-season tournament he has noticeable slimmed down and is finally looking like the number one draft pick the Pelicans have been waiting for. All this makes the Pels a threat in the loaded West, they’re just 1 game behind the 4th seeded Clippers with 14 games left. Tonight’s match-ups against Orlando won’t be an easy one, the Magic have had the Pels’ number in the last 10 meetings going 2-8 ATS/SU. But, with a relatively clean slate regarding injuries and their solid run of form, the Pelicans are favorites for a reason here.
Some might say that the Orlando Magic are the New Orleans Pelicans of the Eastern Conference. They’re 5th in the standings, currently on a 4-game win streak and a run 9-2 SU/ATS run in their last 11 games. This team has been tough to beat, particularly at home where they are 24-9 SU/ATS this season. They’ve also covered the spread in 7 of their last 8 games there, making that one of the most consistent bets this season. Despite all these numbers, I am still a bit skeptical when it comes to this team. Mainly because of their strength of schedule. During this 9-2 SU run all of their wins came against sub .500 teams, while the two losses were against the Knicks and Pacers, both by double digits. This is concerning if you’re a Orlando fan, come playoff time there are no ”weak” opponents against whom you can pile up wins.
