The LA Lakers take on the New Orleans Pelicans for the third time this season on Tuesday. LA comfortably won the previous two games against the Pelicans at home. The Pelicans will have a puncher’s chance to cause an upset with homecourt advantage this time.
However, the Lakers are back in form after a murky stretch. They have won three of their last four games. Luka Doncic and Co. have been excellent in handling business against teams under. 500, posting a 15-3 record.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are 1-20 against teams over .500. They have eight wins in total and have lost their last seven games.
Ahead of this clash, the Lakers are 5.5-point favorites with a -254 money line.
LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
LA Lakers injury report
The Lakers will remain without Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Adou Thiero. Reaves is on the sidelines for multiple weeks with a left calf strain, Hachimura has a right calf strain and Thiero is dealing with an MCL sprain.
Gabe Vincent is questionable. He’s been out since Dec. 14 due to a lumbar back strain.
New Orleans Pelicans injury report
The Pelicans have ruled out Saddiq Bey and Dejounte Murray. Bey is dealing with a right hip flexor strain, while Murray has been out since the start of the season with a right Achilles rupture.
Herb Jones is questionable to return for the first time since Dec. 22 after suffering a right ankle sprain against the Mavericks.
LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starting 5s and Depth Charts
LA Lakers starting 5 and depth chart
The Lakers will start Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart in the backcourt, while Jake LaRavia will play at small forward, LeBron James will be at power forward and Deandre Ayton will man the center position.
PG – Luka Doncic, SG – Marcus Smart, SF – Jake LaRavia, PF – LeBron James, C – Deandre Ayton
Backup guards: Gabe Vincent, Nick Smith Jr., Bronny James.
Backup forwards: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht.
Backup centers: Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme.
New Orleans Pelicans starting 5 and depth chart
The Pelicans will start Jeremiah Fears in the backcourt with Trey Murphy III. Herb Jones could start at small forward, with Zion Williamson at power forward and Derik Queen at center.
Karlo Matkovic could start if Jones is out. Matkovic will start at center, pushing Derik Queen to power forward and Zion Williamson to small forward.
PG – Jeremiah Fears, SG – Trey Murphy III, SF – Herb Jones, PF – Zion Williamson, C – Karlo Matkovic
Backup guards: Jordan Poole, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, Bryce McGowens.
Backup forwards: Micah Peavy.
Backup centers: Yves Missi, Kevin Looney, De’Andre Jordan.
Read more: LA Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds and More – Jan. 6 | 2025-26 NBA Season
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