The New Orleans Pelicans host the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night in New Orleans, looking to build on Friday’s morale-boosting win over the Denver Nuggets. However, ending the Lakers’ four-game winning streak won’t be easy.
The Pelicans snapped a six-game losing streak by defeating Denver 101-94 on Friday, capitalizing on Nikola Jokic’s absence and dominating the boards 56-38, including a 17-5 advantage on offensive rebounds. Brandon Ingram led the way with 29 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Ingram, part of the Anthony Davis trade, has consistently shown up against his old team, averaging 23.5 points per game in 16 career matchups, his best mark against any franchise.
Rebounding could play a critical role again against the Lakers, who rank 21st in overall rebounding percentage. New Orleans has out-rebounded opponents 114-69 over its last two games, with rookie Yves Missi stepping up with a season-high 12 boards on Friday. Missi has reached double-figures in rebounds in each of his last three games and is averaging a double-double (11.0 pts, 11.0 reb) during that stretch.
The Lakers enter the game third in the Western Conference and average 117.8 points per game, including an NBA-best 52.7 points in the paint. Anthony Davis, contributing 17.6 points in the paint per game, will be a major concern for the Pelicans’ frontcourt. The Lakers’ offense thrives on drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line, with a league-best 27.1 free throw attempts per game. The Pelicans, however, are allowing only 17.8 free throw attempts per game to their opponents.
For New Orleans, containing Davis and staying competitive on the glass will be essential, especially with a shorthanded roster that will be without Trey Murphy. The Pelicans average just 105.1 points per game, the league’s second-lowest mark, and will need a strong showing from Ingram and Brandon Boston Jr. to stay in the game.
Both teams will be playing on the second night of back-to-backs, testing their endurance. Expect a physical battle, with New Orleans looking to extend its momentum and Los Angeles aiming to keep rolling in a competitive Western Conference.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Los Angeles Lakers | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Austin Reaves | G – Brandon Boston Jr. |
| G – Cam Reddish | G – Javonte Green |
| F – Dalton Knecht | F – Brandon Ingram |
| F – LeBron James | F – Trey Murphy III |
| C – Anthony Davis | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (low back strain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Trey Murphy III (right hamstring injury management), Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is PROBABLE. Rui Hachimura (right ankle sprain) and Cam Reddish (right peroneal strain) are QUESTIONABLE. Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain), Jalen Hood-Schifino (left groin soreness), Jarred Vanderbilt (right foot surgery), and Christian Wood (left knee surgery) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-9) vs Los Angeles Lakers (8-4)
Season Series:
- Nov. 16: Pelicans vs Lakers
- Mar. 4: Pelicans @ Lakers
- Apr. 4: Pelicans @ Lakers
Series History: The Pelicans are 28-47 all-time vs. the Lakers. New Orleans has lost five of six against Los Angeles.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Nov. 16, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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