Lakers vs. Pelicans: A Shootout for the West Conference Play-In Spot

The New Orleans Pelicans (31-43, 10th Western Conference) sit just a half-game behind the Los Angeles Lakers (31-42, 9th) for the right to host an NBA Playoffs play-in game. The Pelicans won the first meeting so a win tonight would clinch the season series and the head-to-head tiebreaker. The biggest keys to victory will be the possible returns of Brandon Ingram and Lebron James.

The New Orleans Pelicans (31-43, 10th Western Conference) sit just a half-game behind the Los Angeles Lakers (31-42, 9th) for the right to host an NBA Playoffs play-in game. 

The Pelicans won the first meeting so a win tonight would clinch the season series and the head-to-head tiebreaker. The biggest keys to victory will be the possible returns of Brandon Ingram and Lebron James.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans

• When: March 27, 2022 @ 6:00 PM CT
• Where: Smoothie King Center New Orleans, LA
• How To Watch/Listen: Bally Sports NO, ESPN 100.3FM New Orleans

Expected Starting Lineups:

New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Jonas Valanciunas

Los Angeles Lakers: Russell Westbrook, Lebron James, Stanley Johnson, Wenyen Gabriel, Dwight Howard

The New Orleans Pelicans (31-43, 10th Western Conference) sit just a half-game behind the Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (31-42, 9th) for the right to host an NBA Playoffs play-in game. The Pelicans won the first meeting so a win tonight would clinch the season series and the head-to-head tiebreaker. The return of Brandon Ingram could be the key to a big win.

New Orleans is playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Pelicans lost a heartbreak last night to the 11th placed Spurs. The Lakers have been resting since Wednesday. James last played in a Monday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is listed as questionable with left knee soreness.

It will be tough to bounce back but New Orleans needs a win. They have only two home games remaining this season. If they want to host the play-in game, a win over the Lakers tonight is practically required. New Orleans turned their focus to the Lakers immediately after losing to the Spurs. Jose Alvarado said in the post-game press conference, “We have to learn from (the loss to the Spurs) and can't let this one take the Lakers out for us.”

Green immediately put the Spurs loss in the rearview mirror even though he admitted some time management mistakes. He said, “We got the Lakers next, and LeBron is the same way. He’s won at every level that you can win at. The rest of those guys follow his lead and it’s going to be a game that is going to be challenging and a test for us, but we’re all excited to be a part of games like this.”

Brandon Ingram was all laughs and handshakes after a pregame workout before the San Antonio game. While he did sit out there is hope he will return to face his former team. Getting Ingram back to help CJ McCollum and Jonas Valancuinas would stretch the Lakers, who have the third-worst defensive efficiency rating in the last 10 games.

New Orleans has been barely average (17th) on defense both the last 10 games and over the whole season. The biggest key to victory comes down to how Willie Green decides to defend Lebron James. Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony would get most of the attention if James does not suit up.

Double-teaming James on the perimeter plays to his passing strengths. Double him too late in the paint and he will draw fouls to get the Lakers into the bonus. Giving cheap, easy baskets to perhaps the greatest player of all time is a recipe for disaster.

Ingram will be needed to show his star qualities on both ends of the court. Herb Jones should get the first shot at stopping James but the Pelicans will have to show multiple looks at the Lakers. Valancuinas can hold his own but James is just too smart not to pick on simple switches where Jaxson Hayes has to handle Lebron on the low block. 

The Pelicans can overcome a big game from James if Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall, and Trey Murphy III can outplay Austin Reaves and Malik Monk. Devonte’ Graham should bring his scoring punch back to the reserve unit in Ingram's return.

Dwight Howard (hip) is listed as questionable. Jonas Valancuinas should be able to extend his seven-game streak of double-doubles feasting on the Lakers big men. It is likely that Lebron is asked to man the paint for most of the game, especially since Anthony Davis is still sidelined with a foot sprain.

CJ McCollum explained the emotions around the play-in race, “I’ve had to play in that play-in a couple of times. I mean, it’s just better when you just make the playoffs. Then you don’t have to play as many games. You kind of go through what we have to go through right now. But it’s all a part of the process and I think the fans enjoy it. I think it’s competitive. Some of these games matter in general, whereas in past years they didn’t matter as much. So, from a competitive standpoint, I think it increases the level of play and the meaning some of these games have down the stretch.”

The Pelicans really need Ingram back for the stretch run. Following the Charlotte Hornets game plan from last week, the Spurs refused to let McCollum have the ball in the final minutes, blitzing him on every possession. Now the Spurs, Lakers, and Pelicans are all within 1.5 games of each other in the fight for the final two spots. Coach Green can only draw up so many plays. Someone besides the big stars will have to make a few tonight to pull back ahead of the Lakers for the 9th seed.