NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - New Orleans Pelicans vs Los Angeles Lakers
New Orleans Pelicans (27-35) vs Los Angeles Lakers (29-31), Staples Center
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The Pelicans are coming off a narrow loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, whereas the Lakers lost to the Grizzlies on Monday.
Let's take an in-depth look at the teams ahead of the clash tonight.
The New Orleans Pelicans' perspective
The New Orlean Pelicans have split their last four games and look to play a party spoiler for the Lakers by spoiling their chances to qualify for the playoffs.
As a team, they are shooting 47.7% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the three-point line. Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday have averaged 27.6 and 21 points per game respectively. Also, Julius Randle has been impressive on both the ends of the floor.
The Pelicans will be looking to beat the Lakers again tonight and this time at the Staples Center.
Predicted Starting Lineup: Kenrich Williams, Anthony Davis, Julius Randle, Jrue Holiday and Elfrid Payton.
The Los Angeles Lakers' perspective
The danger of losing a playoff spot looms over the Los Angeles Lakers. They have now lost two in a row, and there is a tough road ahead as they play a majority of their games with the teams above .500.
As a team, the Lakers are shooting 47.4% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the three-point line. LeBron James has been averaging 26.8 points per game and needs to put up his best to take the revenge against the Pelicans tonight. Also, Kyle Kuzma is averaging 19.1 points per game and needs to perform tonight.
The Lakers have a do or die situation here, and they will be willing to start winning now before it is too late.
Predicted Starting Lineup: Lebron James, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee, Reggie Bullock, and Brandon Ingram.
How things might unfold
The Lakers were beaten by the Pelicans on 23rd February but will not let this one go so smoothly. They have a playoff spot in the picture and are in a must-win situation here.
I expect LeBron and the Lakers to make a comeback tonight.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers to beat New Orleans Pelicans