The New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers will unfold at Smoothie King Center on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET. The Pelicans are struggling with a disappointing 3-9 record, placing them 15th in the Western Conference. Their most recent setback came in a 106-88 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have bounced back after a tough stretch, now sitting 6th in the Western Conference with a 6-4 record, following a dominant 123-103 win over the Toronto Raptors. In the all-time regular season matchup between the two teams, the Pelicans trail with 28 wins compared to the Lakers’ 47.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Prediction
The Pelicans have struggled offensively, ranking last in the league with 105.4 points per game while allowing 115.7 points, 22nd in the NBA. They rank 21st in rebounds (42.3 per game) and allow 42.2 boards, ranking 10th. New Orleans has been inefficient from three-point range, making just 11.2 per game (4th worst) with a 34.8% shooting rate (20th).
The Lakers score 117.6 points per game, ranking 6th in the league, but are allowing nearly as many (117.5), placing them 24th defensively. They are weak on the boards, ranking 28th in rebounds per game (40.7), though they give up fewer (12th with 42.6). Los Angeles makes 12.4 three-pointers per game, shooting at a 36.9% clip, ranking 17th and 12th, respectively. The Lakers are expected to come out on top in the upcoming game with such a competitive performance.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Probable Starting Lineups
Here are the expected lineups for both teams.
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New Orleans Pelicans
PG Brandon Boston Jr.
SG Brandon Ingram
SF Trey Murphy III
PF Javonte Green
C Yves Missi
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Austin Reaves
SG Cam Reddish
SF Dalton Knecht
PF Lebron James
C Christian Koloko
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Injury Updates
The injury report for the Pelicans lists several players as unavailable for the game. Zion Williamson remains out with a hamstring injury alongside Jose Alvarado (hamstring), CJ McCollum (adductor), and Herbert Jones (shoulder). Additionally, Dejounte Murray is sidelined with a hand injury, while rookie Jordan Hawkins is also out due to a back issue.
Christian Wood is out with a knee injury for the Lakers, Jarred Vanderbilt is dealing with a foot issue, and Jaxson Hayes is unavailable because of an ankle injury. Anthony Davis is listed as questionable due to a plantar injury, as is Rui Hachimura, who is dealing with an ankle issue. Jalen Hood-Schifino is also out with a groin injury.
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