Pelicans projected to win nearly half their games by oddsmakers

How do the oddsmakers view the 2021-22 New Orleans Pelicans? Somewhere close to average.

When last we saw the Pelicans, they were limping to the finish line of a disappointing 31-41 season, missing the playoffs and resulting of the dismissal of Stan Van Gundy after just one season on the job as the team finished 11th in the highly competitive Western Conference.

When it comes to how Las Vegas views the new-look Pelicans, the improvement is noted.

Caesars Sportsbook has New Orleans with a win total over/under of 40.5 games, an increase of 9.5 wins over last season (72 regular season games) but just below the .500 mark of 41 wins. Of course, the team played just 72 games last season while the league returns to the normal 82-game season in 2021-22.

The win total over their 82-game regular season schedule places the Pelicans 19th among the 30 teams in the league.

In steps Willie Green as head coach with a host of new key players, including Devonte’ Graham, Jonas Valanciunas, Garrett Temple, Tomas Satoransky, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones.

The roster has clearly improved over the one we last saw at the end of last season.

Valanciunas is a better option, better player and better fit than Steven Adams.

Graham is the equal of Lonzo Ball statistically and in experience in the league and costs considerably less.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart and Kira Lewis Jr. will be better options than Eric Bledsoe.

Naji Marshall is a solid player on both ends of the floor and you have him for a full season.

Rookies Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones will provide an infusion of youth, along with Murphy’s desperately needed shooting and the defense and steady play of Jones.

Didi Louzada can make the roster due to his tenacious on-the-ball defense.

Satoransky and Temple are solid veterans and Temple is a terrific defender who can defend many positions as well.

You know how good Zion Williamson is and how good Brandon Ingram can be.

Jaxson Hayes has to get past his offseason issues to pick up where he left off last season, when he looked very good and Willy Hernangomez is back to provide solid relief at center.

Wenyen Gabriel cannot be ignored with his length.

Brooklyn is projected with the most wins, at 54.5, with defending league champion Milwaukee second at 53.5 wins. The Lakers, Utah and Philadelphia are next, all at 51.5 victories with Phoenix, which played for the title this past season, at 50.5 wins.

Oklahoma City brings up the rear, projected to win just 22.5 games.