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Free Pick: Raptors vs. Pelicans Odds
Looking for Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free NBA predictions? NBA betting sees the Raptors taking on the Pelicans on 3/11 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA predictions like this Raptors Pelicans free pick.
2026 NBA Handicapping – Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Pelicans
(36-28) Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans (21-45)
Date: Mar 11, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: The Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
NBA Moneyline Odds: Raptors -104 | Pelicans -104 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NBA Point Spread Betting Odds: Raptors +1 | Pelicans -1
NBA Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 232.5
Here’s why I’m backing the visiting underdogs, as outlined in my Raptors-Pelicans free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Raptors vs. Pelicans Gameday
Wednesday serves up a lighter menu with six games on tap, including the Toronto Raptors at the New Orleans Pelicans.
Toronto is completing a back-to-back set, having lost 99-113 to the Rockets on Tuesday. While the Raptors were severely diminished in the front court they kept things tight until mid way through the final frame. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes led the way with 25 and 24 points respectively.
New Orleans last played on Sunday, so have the major rest advantage. In that match, the Pelicans defeated the Washington Wizards 138-118. Six Pelicans scored in double figures, led by Trey Murphy III with 24 points. Saddiz Bey served up a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds.
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Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds & Last 5
This is the first meeting between the clubs this season. Last season, the Raptors swept the Pelicans in their two meetings.
Toronto enters this contest with a 36-28 record, sitting in the fifth seed in the East. The Raptors are 2-3 through their last five games, highlighting their tendency to beat the lower and mid-tier teams, then struggle against the upper echelon. Toronto will play six of its next eight on the road.
Similarly, New Orleans is 2-3 through the last five matches. They sit in the 13th slot with a record of 21-45. They remain stuck in the cellar, a game behind the Mavericks and a half game ahead of the Jazz. The Pelicans will play five of their next six contests at home.
Entering this matchup, the Pelicans are one point favorites to win with an over/under of 232.5 points.
Raptors Stats
Toronto ranks 18th offensively (113.8) and sixth defensively (111.8) while holding the 12th-best net rating (+2.0) and ranks tied for 21st in pace (99.23).
The East’s fifth seed averages 113.7 points per game while its opponents average 111.7 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Toronto averages 29.1 (fourth) and 42.6 (24th), respectively.
Toronto’s team leaders are Brandon Ingram for scoring (21.7 points), Immanuel Quickley for assists (6.2), Scottie Barnes for rebounds (7.9), steals (1.4), and blocks (1.6).
As for the perimeter, Toronto struggles from deep shooting an average of 34.6% while four* players shoot above the league average.
*minimum 20 games
**Leads the NBA
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Pelicans Stats
New Orleans ranks 22nd (113.1) on offense and 26th on defense (117.7). Additionally, the Pelicans hold the 23rd-ranked net rating (-4.6) and also run the 11th-quickest pace (101.30).
The West’s 13-place Pelicans average 115.5 points per game while their opponents average 120.2 points. In terms of dimes and boards, New Orleans averages 25.1 (22nd) and 43.9 (14th), respectively.
New Orleans’ team leaders* are Trey Murphy for scoring (22.0), Derik Queen for assists (3.9) and rebounds (7.1), Herb Jones for steals (1.7), and Yves Missi for blocks (1.4).
As for the perimeter, there are three Pelicans who shoot the league average or better, while the team averages 34.3% from deep.
*minimum 20 games
**Leads the NBA
Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans bottom line:
The Raptors are clinging to the fifth seed with four teams within 2.5 games of them. Fortunately, they have the easiest schedule of those directly behind them (Heat, Magic), while the 76ers are dealing with copious injuries at the worst time possible.
Toronto will need to keep winning games against the lower and mid-tier if they want to keep a cemented playoff position.
Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Betting Trends
- Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto’s last 6 games.
- Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games..
- Also, New Orleans is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans’ last 5 games.
- Additionally, New Orleans is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games.
Raptors Pelicans Free Pick: Pelicans -3.5
Here is my Raptors Pelicans free pick.
The Raptors need to address the elephant in the room, which is how they perform against the top teams. One thing that has stood out is just how much their front court needs to be healthy and active, as the absence of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has been demonstrative.
Things could get tricky in this meeting with the length of the Pelicans, especially since CMB may be joined by Jakob Poeltl (illness) on the DL.
Brandon Ingram makes his return to New Orleans to play for the first time since he was traded to Toronto. The timing isn’t great because he’s been in a shooting rut, but perhaps being at Smoothie King Center will spark his competitiveness and help him to break through.
These teams have played some historically competitive matches regardless of where they sit in the standings. With Dejounte Murray back, Poeltl and CMB likely out, and the Raptors on a back-to-back, this match may live up to those expectations.
Still, I’ll stick with the trends, which is Toronto beating the underlings.
Today’s NBA Free Pick
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NBA Betting Tweet Of The Day
T-Mac thinks the Raptors could win a playoff series and VC interjects with some love for Barnes. “I want to give Scottie his flowers.” pic.twitter.com/n8Yw0akiue
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 4, 2026
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