Over/Under on Pelicans 2019-20 Regular Season Win Total Set at 37.5

• The New Orleans Pelicans are projected to win 37.5 regular season games in 2019-20
• The Pelicans went 33-49 in 2018-19 and missed the playoffs
• New Orleans will look dramatically different this season with the additions of Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart

The recent agreement between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans to swap Anthony Davis for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and a whole bunch of draft picks has everyone thinking about what will happen next season in the NBA.

Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and three future first-round picks are reportedly headed to New Orleans. ? pic.twitter.com/6KPmfEAGJe

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 16, 2019

Most people’s thoughts have been on the Lakers and what the combination of Davis and LeBron James can accomplish in 2019-20, but what about the Pelicans?

While most people view the Pelicans as having a promising future beyond next season, the current state of their roster suggests they could improve even faster.

New Orleans Pelicans 2019-20 Regular Season Win Total Odds

*Odds taken 06/18/19

The over/under on Pelicans wins for the 2019-20 NBA season is currently 37.5. I would suggest taking a flier on the over.

Pelicans Have Promising Young Core

The Pelicans’ starting five figures to include Ball, Jrue Holiday, Ingram, Zion Williamson and either Jahlil Okafor or Cheick Diallo. That is a young, but formidable, starting five.

New Orleans also possesses the fourth overall pick in Thursday’s 2019 NBA Draft (to go along with the first overall pick which will most certainly be used to select Williamson). That pick can be used to add another young prospect to next year’s roster or could be traded for a more solid veteran player who would provide more immediate help.

What could the Lonzo Ball-Brandon Ingram potential mean for the New Orleans Pelicans? @JustinVerrier and @ChrisRyan77 break it down in a brand-new episode of ‘Group Chat’. pic.twitter.com/Ff2BBayCXp

— The Ringer (@ringer) June 16, 2019

Ball and Ingram, while young with upside, are also experienced and proven starters in the NBA who have both put up solid numbers when healthy. Both will also be highly motivated to prove they have what it takes to become the stars they were projected to be. Ingram, in particular, will have plenty of incentive to perform at a high level, since he could become a restricted free agent in 2020.

Ball’s strengths – next-level passing and vision, the ability to push the pace, and defensive pressure and aptitude – compliment Williamson and the rest of the roster perfectly. Already, some are calling the Ball/Holiday pairing the best defensive backcourt in the NBA.

And then there’s Zion.

Williamson Should Make a Smooth Transition

Williamson is the most heralded rookie to come into the NBA since LeBron James in the 2003, so a lot should be expected. Williamson’s size, strength, quickness, ball-handling, passing ability and otherworldly athleticism will allow him to make an immediate impact in the NBA, like few rookies have. Expect Williamson to have a year at least on par with Luka Doncic’s 2018-19 season with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Pelicans won 33 games this past season and that was with Anthony Davis playing only 56 games and limited minutes for much of the season. Look for New Orleans to resemble this season’s Sacramento Kings, a young and talented team whose over/under was 25.5 wins coming into the season, but finished with 39 wins.

Alvin Gentry has been provided a roster that fits his uptempo style of play and he has proven he can win when given adequate talent.

Pelicans’ head coach Alvin Gentry has been provided a roster that fits his uptempo style of play and he has proven he can win when given adequate talent. Zion and all of the fruits from the Anthony Davis trade should be more than adequate.

Pick: Over 37.5 wins (-110)