Nets vs Pelicans Predictions: Nets Look to Get Back on the Winning Track

• The Brooklyn Nets look to get back on the winning track after dropping their most recent game.
• With two key players unavailable due to injury, the New Orleans Pelicans still found victory in their last match.
• The Pelicans won their last meeting against the Nets this season, 130-108.

The Brooklyn Nets and the New Orleans Pelicans come together in what will be one of the most exciting clashes of the night. Despite losing their most recent game, the Nets surely still feel strong after their prior 12-game winning streak. The New Orleans Pelicans are missing key men Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, but they've shown the quality of their depth with a win in their last game.

At the moment, the Brooklyn Nets are currently 25-13 and third in the Eastern Conference - having gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. The New Orleans Pelicans are third in the Western Conference, with a 24-14 record off the back of six wins in their last 10 games. Both of these teams will be looking to strengthen their hold on the top of their respective conference.

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Head-to-Head: Brooklyn Nets vs New Orleans Pelicans

Injury Report

Spread: Brooklyn Nets -4.5 (-110) @ Caesars Sportsbook

The Brooklyn Nets and the New Orleans Pelicans are sure to put on an exciting match when they face off. The Nets continue to ride the high of their recent run of form, despite the fact that they lost their most recent game. For the Pelicans, they'll look to build off of a win in their last game despite the fact that they're missing key contributors.

Brooklyn has been excellent over their last 10 games, scoring 122.3 points per game on 55.3% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. However their offensive numbers shouldn't overshadow their defensive numbers, where they've forced teams into 46.2% shooting from the field, 31.8% from three-point range, while also forcing 13.4 turnovers. The Pelicans have found success through their last 10 games through their grit and effort. The Pelicans have won the rebounding battle 46.0 to 40.0, while also maintaining their pressure defence by forcing 14.1 turnovers.

Injuries will play a massive factor in this matchup, and will likely decide the result. The Nets are incredibly efficient scoring the ball, and the Pelicans are lacking the personnel to keep up. Expect the intensity of New Orleans' defence to be maintained, but the Nets' quality should still overcome that.

Total: Under 230.5 (-110) @ bet365

All things considered, the Brooklyn Nets and the New Orleans Pelicans are likely to put on a high-scoring affair. On average, the Nets average a total of 226.2 points per game on a plus-4.0 point differential. On the Pelicans' side of the court, they average a total of 230.3 points per game on a plus-4.7 point differential.

On the season, the Brooklyn Nets are averaging 115.1 points per game (12th in the NBA) while allowing 111.1 points per game (8th in the NBA) from their opponents. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 117.5 points per game (3rd in the NBA) while allowing 112.8 points per game (14th in the NBA). Both are excellent offensive teams, but the Nets have shown better consistency on the defensive end - especially when protecting the rim.

When the game tips off, the Pelicans will be missing 46.8 points off of their average with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram unavailable due to injury. Given Brooklyn's defensive standards and New Orleans' missing players, it's unlikely the Pelicans will be able to maintain their offensive quality.

How to Watch Brooklyn Nets vs New Orleans Pelicans

• Who: Brooklyn Nets & New Orleans Pelicans
• Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
• When: 7:30 PM EST, Thursday, January 6, 2023
• How to Watch: ESPN, NBA League Pass (Stream)