The price on Trail Blazers and Pelicans

Down 1.8 units going into this slate. That is the number. It has no feelings.

The price needs a case. These teams have one. I am not dressing either case up as airtight.

Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers

+125 at BetMGM puts Portland Trail Blazers in the right part of the market, with only 2.5 points separating them from Los Angeles Lakers. The Trail Blazers are 6-1, the Lakers are 7-2, and both clubs have won four of five. Portland won 136-129 in the only regular-season meeting. The Lakers giving 2.5 says this is farther apart than the resumes and that meeting suggest. I will take Trail Blazers on the moneyline.

What beats it: The Lakers’ home floor and their own four wins in five beat this, while Portland Trail Blazers list J. Morant, their PG, out.

Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans

+152 at FanDuel asks New Orleans Pelicans to erase a 4.5-point spread against Minnesota Timberwolves. Four straight regular-season wins have included 121-99 over Atlanta Hawks and 135-134 at Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams have 1 day off, so rest does nothing here. Minnesota is 6-3, yet the Pelicans’ recent run and home floor make this price the one I will take.

What beats it: Minnesota’s 6-3 mark and 3-2 recent form beat this, and New Orleans Pelicans list T. Murphy III, their SF, day to day.

I stand behind these moneylines at the posted price. I will not pretend either favorite has disappeared. Lakers and Timberwolves have winning records. That is why the market left an opening, not a gift.

Prices as captured Friday, Nov 6 at 9:00 AM ET. Adults 21 and over only. This is research and entertainment, not a recommendation to bet.