The Los Angeles Lakers have one simple solution if they intend to make the playoffs: Win as many games as they can. And after their slip against the New York Knicks earlier last week, they will be keen to get back to winning ways when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
It does come as a must-win game for LA as they are tied 33-25 with the Pelicans in a tightly-wound Western Conference. The visitors head with a tie-breaker advantage and they will look to notch up a win against a short-handed unit.
The focus will be on Anthony Davis whose average performances against the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks earned him immense flak. With LeBron James still a couple of weeks away, the onus will be on the big man and D’Angelo Russell to deliver and keep the team in playoff contention.
For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson’s absence comes as a huge blow, and with Brandon Ingram playing on and off with an ankle sprain, the side will rely on veteran CJ McCollum to do the bulk of the damage.
On that note, here are the projected starters ahead of the marquee clash, along with a quick roundup of the injury report and the predictions.
New Orleans Pelicans Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
Williamson will be missing the contest, while ESPN lists Ingram (ankle) as questionable. Jose Alvarado and E.J. Lidell have been ruled out of the clash as well.
The Pelicans will most likely field the same starters they did in their win against the Portland Trail Blazers. CJ McCollum (G), Herbert Jones (G), Naji Marshall (F), Trey Murphy III (F), and Jonas Valanciunas (C) might take the floor.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers will be without James and Mo Bamba. Davis has been a regular feature in the team’s injury report, but his probable status will still see him suit up for the must-win contest.
D’Angelo Russell (G), Malik Beasley (G), Troy Brown Jr. (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), Anthony Davis (C) will be the Lakers’ starting five.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
The recent run of form points to the Lakers as the favorites, but should they continue to make mistakes on both ends of the floor as they did against the Knicks, then they will be staring down at another loss. Expect either Russell or Davis to play more minutes as the side will look to keep the offense consistent and churning throughout the stretches.
LA also comes into the game boasting ample firepower. Their bench has been electric and erratic in copious doses, and against an injury-riddled side as New Orleans, a clinical win would do wonders for their playoff aspirations.
That said, they can’t afford to take the Pelicans for granted. Their perimeter defense has been solid as they have been consistently forcing their opponents to shoot at 33.9% from downtown. The likes of Russell and Beasley may just have to toil for their 3s if the Pelicans’ defense shows up. But for now, expect LA to bring this one home.
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