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The New Orleans Pelicans will host the LA Lakers at the Smoothie King Center tonight in the final round of the 2020-21 NBA regular season matches.
The LA Lakers will be looking to avoid the play-in tournament, which makes this a must-win game for them. They need to beat the New Orleans Pelicans and hope the Portland Trail Blazers lose to the Denver Nuggets, which would allow Frank Vogel's side to finish in sixth place in the West.
LA Lakers Injury Report
Alex Caruso has been sidelined with a foot injury. Jared Dudley is out for the rest of the season with a knee problem. All other players will be available for selection.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The New Orleans Pelicans will miss several players for tonight's clash, starting with Steven Adams, who is out with a toe injury. Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball are done for the season following thumb injuries, while Brandon Ingram continues to miss games due to an ankle issue.
Zion Williamson will not be able to feature because of a finger injury. James Johnson [knee] and Wesley Iwundu [shoulder] have been listed as probable for the game against the LA Lakers.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Predicted Lineups
LA Lakers
LeBron James has taken over point guard duties since returning from injury, with Dennis Schroder partnering him in the LA Lakers backcourt. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will start at the 3, while Andre Drummond and Anthony Davis will make up the reigning champions' frontcourt.
Montrezl Harrell has played the sixth-man role for the LA Lakers this season, putting up 13.5 points and 6.2 rebounds on 62% shooting from the field.
New Orleans Pelicans
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Eric Bledsoe will take up the guard spots for the New Orleans Pelicans. Naji Marshall will start at small forward, while Jaxson Hayes is expected to replace James Johnson in the starting lineup.
Willy Hernangomez is the favorite to start at center for the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Predicted Starting 5s
LA Lakers
Point Guard - LeBron James l Shooting Guard - Dennis Schroder l Small Forward - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope l Power Forward - Anthony Davis l Center - Andre Drummond
New Orleans Pelicans
Point Guard - Nickeil Alexander-Walker l Shooting Guard - Eric Bledsoe l Small Forward - Naji Marshall l Power Forward - Jaxson Hayes l Center - Willy Hernangomez
Also Read: NBA Sixth Man of the Year 2021: Latest Power Rankings - May 14th, 2021
