The New Orleans Pelicans hope a return to the “Big Easy” can break the team’s current seven-game losing skid when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town.
My Lakers vs. Pelicans predictions are looking to Zion Williams to spark this New Orleans offense with his playmaking ability.
Here are my best NBA picks on Tuesday, January 6.
Lakers vs Pelicans prediction
Lakers vs Pelicans best bet: Zion Williamson Over 3.5 assists (-115)
If the tall total for tonight’s game holds up, there will be plenty of points scored in the Crescent City. The Over/Under has jumped from 240.5 to 244 points – the biggest number on the board.
Neither team is playing fantastic defense, with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans, respectively, ranked 26th and 27th in advanced defensive rating. A potential surplus of scoring makes Overs a live market, especially when it comes to stars like Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans power forward will have the ball in his hands tonight. Through 21 games this season, he’s averaging 6.2 potential assists but has been let down by a poor shooting supporting cast. The Pelicans are 28th in effective field-goal rate and record an assist on only 58.5% of their made buckets (also 28th).
Luckily, Los Angeles is prone to opponents’ passing, giving up 25 assists per contest, with that metric spiking in recent efforts. The Lakers allowed foes to tally an assist on 65% of their made field goals, and 67% over the last three games.
Williamson is averaging only 3.2 assists, dishing out four or more dimes in only two of his last 11 appearances. However, he started the schedule by handing out four assists per outing in his first 10 games.
Player projections range from 4.2 to 5.0 assists from Zion, with my number coming out to 4.5. That forecast should have the Over 3.5 assists prop priced closer to -190 than this current ask.
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Lakers vs Pelicans same-game parlay
This is a matchup between two of the worst defenses in the NBA, and these teams combined for 250+ points in their last meeting.
Williamson averages more than six potential assists per game and will get his teammates to finish against a bad L.A. defense.
Deandre Ayton has scored 20 and 22 points against NOLA in their two matchups this season, and his forecast calls for 15+ against NOLA.
Lakers vs Pelicans SGP
- Over 243.5
- Zion Williamson Over 3.5 assists
- Deandre Ayton Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: He's Vanderbilt for This
Jarred Vanderbilt is getting more minutes with two starters out. He’s projected for closer to seven rebounds.
Lakers vs Pelicans SGP
- Over 243.5
- Zion Williamson Over 3.5 assists
- DeAndre Ayton Over 13.5 points
- Jarred Vanderbilt Over 5.5 rebounds
Lakers vs Pelicans odds
- Spread: Lakers -6.5 (-110) | Pelicans +6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Lakers -250 | Pelicans +205
- Over/Under: Over 243.5 (-110) | Under 243.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have gone Over the total in 36 of their last 58 games (+11.80 Units/18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Lakers vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Spectrum SportsNet, GCSEN |
Lakers vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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