Lakers vs Pelicans Preview & Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers are at the bottom of the Western Conference and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, losing two of their last three games. The New Orleans Pelicans are still fighting for a playoff spot, and are hoping to extend their two-game win streak.

Projected Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Lakers (20-53)

G Jordan Clarkson – 10.7 ppg, 3.0 apg

G Wayne Ellington – 10.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg

F Wesley Johnson – 9.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg

F Ryan Kelly– 5.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg

F Tarik Black – 6.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg

New Orleans Pelicans (39-34)

G Tyreke Evans – 16.7 ppg, 6.5 apg

G Eric Gordon – 13.1 ppg, 4.0 apg

F Quincy Pondexter – 8.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg

F Anthony Davis – 24.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.9 bpg

C Omer Asik – 7.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg

What to watch for:

Will the Lakers match the Pelicans' intensity?

Los Angeles is in full-fledged tank mode, and while the players aren't trying to lose, the Lakers have a roster full of guys trying to prove they belong in the NBA instead of trying to win a game. New Orleans needs every win they can get coming down the stretch, and they see this as a great opportunity for them to gain ground on the Thunder, who currently hold the final playoff spot in the West. The Lakers won't win this game if they don't match New Orleans' level of focus.

Prediction: Pelicans win 112-96

New Orleans has more talent and more to play for than the Lakers do, and they'll pull out a victory without much pushback.

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