With a scorching run and a playoff spot on the line, betting on CJ McCollum to drop over 23.5 points against the Lakers seems like the move.

As the clock ticks down to the final showdown of the regular season between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers, all eyes are on one man: CJ McCollum. The sharpshooter has been lighting up scoreboards with a fervor that's hard to ignore, making the over on his 23.5 points betting line an enticing prospect for anyone looking to cash in on his current form.

Diving into the numbers, McCollum's recent performances read like a bettor's dream. Over the past six games, the guard hasn't just been good; he's been unstoppable, averaging a whopping 30.0 points per game. This isn't just a flash in the pan; it's a blazing inferno. In his last 10 outings, McCollum has surpassed the 23.5 mark eight times, showcasing not only his scoring prowess but also a remarkable consistency.

What makes this upcoming game against the Lakers even more compelling is what's at stake. The Pelicans are on the cusp of securing the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, a position that would allow them to sidestep the play-in tournament. This isn't just another game for New Orleans; it's a gateway to the postseason, and you can bet McCollum will be at the heart of their efforts.

While his season average against the Lakers might not scream "bet the over," sitting at 16.67 points across three matchups, context is key. McCollum's recent surge is the real story here. The man is not just on a hot streak; he's on a mission. His scoring has been ascending, with his performances over the last 10 and especially the last five games indicating a player peaking at the perfect time.

Moreover, the Pelicans' reliance on McCollum's scoring has been evident. With Brandon Ingram's status uncertain due to a hyper-extended knee, McCollum has stepped up, carrying the offensive load for New Orleans. His ability to knock down threes, as evidenced by his 8-of-13 showing against the Warriors, stretches defenses and creates scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates.

But it's not just about McCollum's scoring. It's about what his scoring represents. Each bucket, each three-pointer, each free throw carries weight beyond just adding to the scoreboard. They're a statement of intent, a declaration that the Pelicans are here to compete, and a signal to the Lakers that they're in for a fight.

Thus, when considering McCollum's recent form, the significance of the game, and the potential for him to step up in Ingram's absence, betting on him to score over 23.5 points isn't just a wager; it's an acknowledgment of a player who's found his rhythm at the most crucial time of the season. So, as the Pelicans and Lakers gear up for their pivotal clash, keep an eye on McCollum. If history and momentum have anything to say, he's not just going to cross that 23.5 threshold; he's going to soar past it.