Lakers Need Healthy Davis to Compete with Pelicans in Play-In Tournament Opener
Lakers Struggle Without Davis, Especially Recently
The Los Angeles Lakers will need their star forward Anthony Davis to be healthy and effective when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA play-in tournament on Tuesday night. The Lakers are significantly worse when Davis is off the court, and their recent struggles without him have been particularly concerning. Over the past month, the Lakers have been 68 points per 100 possessions worse with Davis on the bench.
Lakers vs. Pelicans Play-In Tournament Preview
The Lakers and Pelicans will face off in the opener of the NBA play-in tournament on Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Lakers, who finished the regular season with a 47-35 record, are the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. The Pelicans, who finished with a 49-33 record, are the No. 8 seed. The winner of the game will advance to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs, while the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The Lakers are 1-3 against the Pelicans this season, with all three losses coming without Davis in the lineup. The Pelicans have won three of their last four games overall, while the Lakers have lost three of their last four.
Davis is averaging 23.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game this season. He is a key part of the Lakers' defense, and his ability to stretch the floor on offense makes him a difficult matchup for opponents.
If Davis is healthy enough to play and play effectively, the Lakers will be a tough opponent for the Pelicans. However, if Davis is limited or unable to play, the Lakers will be at a significant disadvantage.
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