The Lakers are looking to complete a season sweep of the Pelicans after two consecutive victories, 120-102 in Los Angeles on February 15 and 120-117 in overtime on November 2.
Latest news on Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell for Lakers vs. Pelicans game
After reshaping their roster, overcoming significant injuries, and giving themselves a chance at a playoff berth with a month left in the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers have no intention of slowing down.
On Tuesday, the Lakers will tip off their brief two-game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans and play as if the playoffs have already begun. After losing 112-108 to the New York Knicks at home on Sunday, the pressure is on even more.
Over the course of 35 minutes, D’Angelo Russell scored 33 points (13-19 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 1-1 FT), dished out eight assists, pulled down five boards, and blocked one shot.
Russell scored his season high in points and his highest point total since being traded to the Lakers just before the trade deadline.
Russell’s big effort wasn’t enough to get the Lakers back to even on the season, though, because he wasn’t given much help by the supporting cast.
With LeBron James (foot) out until late March or early April, the Lakers will need Russell to step up in a big way if they want to make the playoffs without him.
For AD, even though he has been the Lakers’ primary source of offense, Anthony Davis’ production has slowed of late. In his previous five games, the forward averaged 33 points per game. However, in his most recent two games, he has averaged just 12.5 points per game.
The fact that both the Lakers and Pelicans are 33-35 makes the rematch between Davis and his former team that much more intriguing. In the Western Conference, there is a small group of teams all vying for a spot in the playoffs; four of these teams have identical records.
The Pelicans, once among the best teams in the Western Conference, are in a state of panic after losing seven of their last ten games. But they’ve been getting better as of late, winning two of their last three.
The New Orleans Pelicans enter this contest fresh off a 127-110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The key to beating the Lakers at home, where they have been on fire, will be effective offense.
Pelicans injuries
- Brandon Ingram (Ankle) – Questionable
- Zion Williamson (Hamstring) – Out
- Jose Alvarado (Leg) – Out
- E.J. Liddell (Knee) – Out
Lakers injuries
- Anthony Davis (Foot) – Questionable
- Mo Bamba (Ankle) – Out
- LeBron James (Foot) – Out
