The Toronto Raptors will be out for some revenge after being humiliated by Dejounte Murray and the New Orleans Pelicans when they last met earlier this month.
Murray and the Pels literally flexed over the Raps in a 122-111 win as 2-point home dogs. But this time, the Raps are at home and favored by nearly double-digits.
Can Toronto exact some revenge, or is this number too big? My Pelicans vs. Raptors predictions and NBA picks break it all down for this matchup set to tip off at 8:30 pm ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, on Friday, March 27.
Pelicans vs Raptors prediction
Pelicans vs Raptors best bet: Jakob Poeltl Over 10.5 points (-120)
The New Orleans Pelicans are not your typical NBA team destined to miss the playoffs. Now that Dejounte Murray is back, this team can compete most nights and rank a respectable 14th in net rating since the All-Star break.
The Toronto Raptors know that well, after watching Murray put up 27 points in that March 11 upset.
Luckily, Murray is sitting this one out for load management reasons. Plus, there are still some other areas where the Pelicans are vulnerable, particularly on the inside, where they have little depth behind Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen.
New Orleans enters this matchup ranked 24th in both opponent points in the paint per game and points allowed to opposing centers per game.
Enter Jakob Poeltl. Like Murray for the Pels, Poeltl’s turn has given the Raptors an added dimension on both ends of the floor. Specifically, on offense, the Raptors' big man is averaging 12.7 points per game over his last 12 games with a .688 effective field goal percentage.
Poeltl is still getting a modest point total prop, sitting at 10.5 points. He’s topped that number six times in the last 12 games. Not only that, he’s had at least 15 points in all the games where he went over this number. So, looking at his alt point totals at plus money isn’t a bad idea either.
But for our best bet purposes, let’s stick with the Over 10.5.
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Pelicans vs Raptors same-game parlay
The Raptors' backup “big man” is also back in Collin Murray-Boyles. CMB plays a Draymond Green-esque role for the Raptors, and they are glad to have him back.
He’s put up nine and 10 points in his first two games back from a thumb injury and, like Poeltl, should have plenty of room to work inside in this matchup.
The lack of an interior presence also hurts the Pels on the boards, where they rank 19th in rebounding rate and 25th in opponent rebounds per game.
So, let’s add Scottie Barnes Over 6.5 rebounds to this SGP, a number he’s topped in five of his last six games.
Pelicans vs Raptors SGP
- Jakob Poeltl Over 10.5 points
- Collin Murray Boyles Over 7.5 points
- Scottie Barnes Over 6.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Double dino trouble
Let's go a little crazy and back both Poeltl and Scottie Barnes to record a double-double.
Pelicans vs Raptors SGP
- Jakob Poeltl double-double
- Scottie Barnes double-double
Pelicans vs Raptors odds
- Spread: Pelicans +9.5 | Raptors -9.5
- Moneyline: Pelicans +300 | Raptors -380
- Over/Under: Over 228 | Under 228
Pelicans vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors have hit the Game Total Under in 31 of their last 50 games for +10.10 Units and a 18% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Raptors.
How to watch Pelicans vs Raptors
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Friday, March 27, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Gulf Coast Sports, Sportsnet |
Pelicans vs Raptors latest injuries
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