The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the teams that Saddiq Bey of the Detroit Pistons will probably circle on his calendar.
They are one of the many teams who passed on Bey in the 2021 NBA Draft, a decision they are probably regretting about right now.
Bey has been one of the best 3-point shooting rookies in the NBA and has played nice defense on the wing, two things the Pels could desperately use.
Bey played well in the last game against the Pelicans, which was a win for the Detroit Pistons, but Detroit is on the second game of a back-to-back against a well-rested team that is starting to play very well.
With that in mind, here are three Saddiq Bey bets I love against the Pelicans. Warning, I am not a professional sharp, so this advice should be taken with a grain of salt and remember to always bet responsibly.
Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey will have more than 2.5 made 3-pointers
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA at defending the 3-point line. But they are well-rested and could very well blow out the Pistons, who are on the second game of a back-to-back.
Those two factors should equal plenty of 3-point shots launched for the Pistons, especially from Bey, who has not been shooting the ball particularly well over the last couple of games but has been getting plenty of attempts.
The Pelicans are also not very good at defending wings (or anyone else really) so Bey could have a big night from behind-the-arc.
Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey will have fewer than 20.5 combined points, assists, and rebounds
Though I do think Bey could have a big night shooting the ball, he only averages 14.4 combined points, assists and rebounds for the season, so 20.5 seems a bit high, even in what could be a high-scoring game.
If Bey stays around his averages he won’t sniff this total, so this seems like a no-brainer at -104, especially if the Pistons empty their bench late in the game.
Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey will have fewer than 1.5 assists
This is more an indictment of Bey’s teammates than him, as they have been shooting terribly lately.
The Pistons have struggled to score points lately and are missing a ton of shots, which should mean low assist totals for just about everyone. Bey only averages an assist per game and will probably not have the ball in his hands a lot to create, especially with rookie point guard Saben Lee playing well.
The Detroit Pistons are big underdogs against he New Orleans Pelicans but I’d say away from those points and instead make some bets on Saddiq Bey.
*All bets and odds from the Action Network