The New Orleans Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson. Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Richardson have both picked up questionable tags, and Larry Nance Jr. and Jose Alvarado have already been ruled out. Bettors looking for an NBA Pelicans-Trail Blazers prop need search no further — FanDuel has left a bit too much value on the Brandon Ingram player prop markets. Make sure to check out OddsShopper’s tools for other sharp plays.
Best Pelicans-Trail Blazers NBA Player Prop | Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram Prop O/U 25.5 Points
The New Orleans Pelicans have leaned heavily upon their star forward, Brandon Ingram, during Williamson’s most recent absence. Ingram is averaging 33.4 minutes and 25.5 points per game since returning. Those numbers jump to 34.7 and 27.1 when excluding his first two games back in which he like faced a minutes limit. More importantly, he ranks fourth among starters in usage rate through that span (34.8%), trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo (40.1%), Luka Doncic (36.2%) and Damian Lillard (35.8%).
Ingram’s massive role may increase tonight. The Pelicans could have to play without two members of their starting five, Josh Richardson and Jonas Valanciunas, who are both dealing with injuries. Two of their reserves, Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance Jr., will sit. With the Pelicans down to No. 10 in the Western Conference and the Blazers only a half-game behind, expect the Pelicans to do everything they can to secure the win tonight. That may have to include leaving Ingram in the game for 40-plus minutes.
Portland’s defense hasn’t stopped much, especially lately. They rank last in defensive rating over the last seven games (125). Further, they have allowed the fourth-most points in the paint per game (58.3) over the last seven. That includes an NBA-high in shots allowed per game in the restricted area (23). Although Ingram isn’t the greatest interior scorer, he leads New Orleans in drives per game (16.6) and points off drivers per game (10.5) since his return.
Ingram will have another chance at a monster performance tonight. He has gone for 30-plus points four times in 12 full starts since returning, half of which came on the road. With a total (25.5) set near his floor, bettors should buy the over at -115 on FanDuel Sportsbook. Teasing it up to 30-plus points also has value. Follow the recommended unit structure below to maximize your payout. Readers who are yet to register at FanDuel can score a no-sweat first bet worth up to $1,000!
Best NBA Pelicans-Trail Blazers Player Prop: Brandon Ingram Over 25.5 Points (-115 for 0.75 Unit) at FanDuel
Best NBA Pelicans-Trail Blazers Ladder Bet: Brandon Ingram 30+ Points (+185 for 0.25 Unit) at FanDuel
