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The LA Lakers will begin their three-game road trip by taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in Lousiana.
The Lakers (31-42) are ninth in the West, while the Pelicans (31-43) are just half a game behind at 10th. This is only their second meeting of the season, and they are scheduled to face off again in a few days. The Pelicans won their February 28th clash in a 123-95 blowout victory.
If the Lakers lose this meeting, they will slide to 10th in the West, with the 11th-place San Antonio Spurs (31-44) just one game behind. The Lakers have the third-toughest schedule remaining in the league. If they don't manage to grab a few wins and stay afloat, they will find themselves out of the play-in tournament.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, have won three of their last five games, and ninth position is within their grasp. They have the seventh-easiest schedule in the league. If they win tonight and also in the April 1st rematch in California, they will likely solidify themselves as the ninth seed.
LA Lakers Injury Report
The LA Lakers have had similar injury reports in recent weeks. Anthony Davis and Kendrick Nunn remain out because of long-term injuries and have no timelines for return. There are just nine games left in the regular season, so it looks like they might not lace up at all.
LeBron James is still questionable due to effusion and soreness in his left knee but is expected to play. Dwight Howard is also questionable due to a sore hip, while Talen Horton-Tucker is probable to play due to a sprained ankle. Mason Jones has been sent to the NBA G-League.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Brandon Ingram was listed as questionable in the last game against the Spurs due to a sore hamstring, and he eventually did not play. He is questionable for this clash as well. Meanwhile, Kira Lewis Jr. and Zion Williamson remain out with long-term injuries.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds & Spreads - March 27th, 2022
The Lakers are in abysmal form, losing to the Pelicans in their previous outing. This game is also at the Pelicans' home, so the hosts have a better shot at winning this clash and also have a relatively healthier roster.
Odds sources from FanDuel SB.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Tips
LA Lakers
- The Lakers are 11-24 on the road this season.
- LeBron James is leading the league in scoring (30 points per game).
- The Lakers have lost five of their last seven games.
Click here to register on FanDuel and bet on LeBron James scoring over 30 points.
New Orleans Pelicans
- CJ McCollum is averaging 38% from the three-point range since joining arriving at New Orleans.
- The Pelicans are 17-21 at home this season.
- Jonas Valanciunas has double-digit rebounds in eight of his last nine games.
Click here to register on FanDuel and bet on Jonas Valanciunas to grab 15+ boards.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Lineups
LA Lakers
If LeBron James laces up, he should play as the power forward, with Wenyen Gabriel playing the small forward role.
Russell Westbrook could retain his point guard role, and Austin Reaves should join him in the backcourt. If Dwight Howard laces up, he will likely play as the center, otherwise Gabriel or James will shift to the five, with Malik Monk filling the other position.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans will likely deploy their usual lineup if Ingram plays. Devonte' Graham should play the point guard role, and CJ McCollum could retain his usual shooting guard position.
Ingram could play the three and Herbert Jones should feature in the power forward role. Jonas Valaniunas will likely start as the center as usual. Jaxson Hayes could play the small forward role if Ingram isn't eligible to play.
- The Lakers are 11th in the league in points scored (111.6/game)
- The Pelicans are averaging 12.6 turnovers in their last eight games.
- The Lakers are 16-27 against Western Conference teams this season.
Click here to register on FanDuel and bet on the New Orleans Pelicans.
LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Starting 5s
LA Lakers
G - Russell Westbrook | G - Austin Reaves | F - Wenyen Gabriel | F - LeBron James | C - Dwight Howard.
New Orleans Pelicans
G - Devonte' Graham | G - CJ McCollum | F - Brandon Ingram | F - Hebert Jones | C - Jonas Valanciunas.
Guess the Lakers players!
