Free NBA Pick: Raptors vs. Pelicans NBA Odds
Looking for Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Raptors taking on the Pelicans on Monday, February 14th, 2022 at Smoothie King Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Raptors- Pelicans matchup.
2022 NBA Handicapping
(31-24) Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans (22-34)
Date: Monday, February 14th
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Smoothie King Center
NBA Moneyline Odds: Raptors -190 | Pelicans +178 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Raptors -5
NBA Betting Total: 222.5
Monday, February 14th, finds the Toronto Raptors facing the New Orleans Pelicans for the second and final time this season. Toronto won the initial contest 105-101 on January 9th.
Both teams last played Saturday with the Raptors battling a brutal whistle and losing 109-110 to the Nuggets while the Pelicans lost 114-124 to the Spurs.
Last season, the squads played twice with the Pelicans winning both contests. The Raptors hold the all-time record having bested the Pelicans in 26 of their 42 matches.
Toronto Raptors
Nikola Jokic began the game getting virtually any shot he wanted but just like the Raptors struggled to limit the reigning MVP so too did Denver struggle to stop Pascal Siakam. The two were either scoring or hitting the open teammate when double-teamed.
As for the comment about the whistle, it wasn’t so much the calls as it was the no-calls on blatant fouls. Toronto lived in the paint all night (52 points) particularly Siakam and Anunoby. That duo plus Trent Jr took 50 shots and inexplicably didn’t garner one free throw.
Additionally, a goaltend went uncalled, Facundo Campazzo knocked Gary Trent Jr. down at center court with no one around them in an obvious foul plus several uncalled travels and elbows/holds in the paint. In a one-point game, it was the difference in the match.
Although the streak is over the Raptors put the league on notice they are here to compete via some impressive wins. Siakam in particular has been outstanding, garnering another double-double of 35 points and 10 rebounds with seven assists and two steals vs. Denver.
During the streak and including the Denver match he’s averaged 26.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, a block, and shot 42.4% from the perimeter on 3.7 attempts. Compare that to the All-Stars and it’s questionable why he isn’t going to Cleveland.
Fred VanVleet offered 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and went 6 of 11 from deep. Scottie Barnes produced 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals while Gary Trent Jr. added 11 points.
OG Anunoby had a poor shooting night (4 of 16) for nine points likely due to expending so much defensive energy attempting to slow Jokic down and the missing whistle.
For the first time this season, the Raptors are fully healthy, and newly acquired Thaddeus Young is with the team so this could be his debut if Nick Nurse elects to give him some run.
New Orleans Pelicans
In just his second game with the Pelicans CJ McCollum registered his season-high point total of 36 points and like the first game attempted more than 20 shots (15 of 24). He registered a double-double with his 11 rebounds adding five assists but also had six turnovers.
As well as McCollum has played and seemingly quickly integrated, the Pels are winless in his two games. Although he has meshed offensively, coach Willie Green hit the nail on the head following the Spurs game noting how the new players need to learn the defensive schemes.
Green will quickly discover (if he doesn’t already know) that’s not McCollum’s forte. In his two games, the Pels have lost by double-digits – – by 15 to the Heat and by 10 to the Spurs.
Jonas Valanciunas also had a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds while Brandon Ingram scored 22 and Herb Jones chipped in 12 points.
Larry Nance Jr. is out indefinitely. Kira Lewis Jr. (ACL) is lost for the season while Zion Williamson (foot) remains away from the team rehabbing his foot with no definitive return date.
NBA Betting Trends:
- New Orleans is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games.
- Toronto is 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans’ last 9 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 7 games.
Free Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Analysis:
Toronto has been very good at bouncing back following losses and unlike their last winning streak this season the team is healthy. Their starting five has played 16 games together now with that a big reason for the win streak as they’ve meshed on both sides of the court.
For as good as VanVleet has played, it’s Siakam who has been the difference. He’s not only rediscovered the prowess that made him an All-NBA player a few seasons ago, he’s taken another step functioning often as the primary playmaker on the floor.
Ingram tends to have great efforts versus the Raptors as did McCollum with the Blazers but I like the Raptors to rebound and get back in the win column.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Raptors ATS
If you’re looking for more NBA picks like this Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup we’ll be providing 4* free NBA predictions on the blog during the entire NBA season, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NBA predictions!
Register here for a FREE NBA Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!