The Los Angeles Lakers gear up to take on the struggling New Orleans Pelicans amid all the buzz they’re generating as Kyrie Irving’s next landing spot after he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
It’s not been a great run for the Pelicans, who have been injury-riddled. As a result, they have slid from the top seed in the West to 11th. If the playoffs were today, New Orleans wouldn’t have made the cut.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have been inconsistent at best, still grappling with the momentum they gain and lose by the game. They head into this contest on the back of a close 112-111 win over the Indiana Pacers, and now have a chance to rack up another win on the road.
That they have LeBron James and Anthony Davis taking the hardwood despite their injury issues makes them favorites. However, they will still need to win enough games if they intend to make the postseason. They’re 25-28 and placed 13th in the standings.
On that note, here’s a look at the projected starters, the injury report from both camps, and the predicted outcome.
New Orleans Pelicans Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. He is set to be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks. Also missing out will be Dyson Daniels (ankle).
This would mean the Pelicans would go with the same starters from their previous game against the Dallas Mavericks. CJ McCollum (G), Herbert Jones (G), Trey Murphy III (F), Brandon Ingram (F), and Jonas Valanciunas (C) will be the projected starting five.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers’ big three find themselves as day-to-day in ESPN’s updated injury report ahead of the game. Russell Westbrook is listed day-to-day due to a non-COVID illness. LeBron James is listed as questionable, while Anthony Davis is probable. Austin Reaves will be on the sidelines as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury.
Expect the Lakers to go with Dennis Schroder (G), Patrick Beverley (G), Rui Hachimura (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C) as their starters.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
The contest is one that the Lakers can win. It helps them get closer to the elusive .500 mark which they haven’t hit since the start of the season. The Pelicans will look to snap their sordid losing streak, and they have a chance to do it against LA that’s blown hot and cold this season.
New Orleans losing ten games in a row will have surely dented their confidence. Their offense has taken a beating in Williamson’s absence, and like the Lakers, they have struggled from three-point land as well knocking down 35.5% (LA is shooting 34.7%).
The biggest challenge for the Lakers will be staying focused amid all the chatter surrounding them and Irving. The focus will also be on James who is just 63 points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s leading scorer. While he continues his merry run, LA will hope to add another win to their kitty. They’re still favored to win this one.
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