NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans
Los Angeles Lakers (29-29) vs New Orleans Pelicans (26-34), Smoothie King Center
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Lakers at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday.
The Lakers beat the Houston Rockets on Friday in their previous match, whereas the Pelicans lost to the Indiana Pacers.
Let us see how things stand for both teams ahead of their matchup:
The Los Angeles Lakers' perspective
The Lakers are back with a bang, beating the Houston Rockets at home. All the starters scored in double-digits with LeBron James leading the pack with 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
As a team, the Lakers are averaging 112.2 points and shooting nearly 47% from the field. They have been shooting 35% from beyond the three-point line and grabbing 47 rebounds per game.
Every game is crucial for the Lakers in their quest for a playoff berth, and they will be desperate to beat the Pelicans on the road.
Predicted Starting Lineup: LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, JaVale McGee and Reggie Bullock.
The New Orleans Pelicans' perspective
The Pelicans have won just three of their last nine games and desperately need some luck going forward. Anthony Davis' injury status remains a mystery, but he is expected to play this game.
As a team, the Pelicans are averaging 115.6 points and shooting nearly 49% from the field. They are grabbing 47 rebounds and shooting 36.4% from beyond the three-point line.
Predicted Starting Lineup: Kenrich Williams, Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton and Jrue Holiday.
How things might unfold
The Pelicans have a horrible record at home lately and lack the quality to stop LeBron. This Lakers squad showed in their last game that they mean business and they should have too much in the tank to outlast the Pelicans.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers to beat New Orleans Pelicans