Cleveland Cavaliers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/01/2023, 19:26  by Joseph King | Modified on 15/01/2023 at 19:26 in NBA Predictions

The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in the Western Conference vs Eastern Conference matchup. The Pelicans come into this matchup after a 116-110 away win against the Pistons, their second away win in the last three games. However, the Pels have been on an inconsistent run of form as they have now won just three of their last eight games. Additionally, New Orleans last two away wins came against Detroit, second from bottom in the East with a 12-35 record, and the Wizards, 18-25 and 12th in the conference. The visitors have been stellar on their home court with 17 wins from 23 games, a big reason why they currently sit third in the West, yet have managed just nine wins from their 21 away trips. This will be the Pels fifth road game in a row and they are currently 2-2 on the trip with losses coming against the two teams they faced with winning records in the Mavs and Celtics.

Looking to get back on track are the Cavs who have hit an up-and-down streak of form. Cleveland fell 110-102 away from home to the TWolves on Saturday, representing their third loss in their last five games as they wrap up their five game road trip. They will be buoyed, however, by a return to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse where they have been fantastic this season. Cleveland have won 18 of their 22 home games this season for a winning percentage of 81.8%. The Cavs have won their last two straight in front of the home fans with their most recent victory an excellent 114-106 victory against one of the Eastern Conference’s elite teams in the Milwaukee Bucks, despite a 45 point from Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

The Pelicans will have to deal with a number of injury problems as they are still without their two best players in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Williamson is still dealing with a hamstring strain and could be out for another week while Ingram has only played in 15 games this campaign after going down earlier in the season with a toe injury. The Cavs, on the other hand, will have all of their big names suiting up for this one.