2 min read • February 27, 2022
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Check out this matchup's Court View here.
The Sunday night game features two Western Conference teams fighting for a spot in the play-in game.
Both are without key big men that are dealing with foot injuries, but the Lakers have a glimmer of hope that Anthony Davis can return and be effective for the final playoff push.
Injury Advantage: Pelicans
The Lakers entered the season as the oldest team in the league (average age: 30) and injuries have plagued them all season.
Lebron James ($10,500 on FanDuel) has played heavy minutes all season and is listed as questionable ahead of the contest because of a knee injury he has been playing through.
He was listed as questionable ahead of Friday's loss to the Clippers, but suited up and finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in 35 minutes of action.
The ProBasketballDocs do not expect him to miss this contest and he should play his usual minutes.
With Davis out, the Lakers have turned to Dwight Howard ($3,700) to matchup against opposing big men.
He played 26 minutes against the Clippers and finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks. In this matchup, he gets a tough assignment against the versatile Jonas Valanciunas ($7,500).
Carmelo Anthony ($5,000) made his return Friday from an early February hamstring strain. He had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist in 28 minutes against the Clippers.
The Lakers rank 23rd in points allowed this season, but face a Pelicans squad that has struggled offensively for most of the season.
New Orleans ranks 25th in points per game, but have averaged 114.7 points in their last three games.
New addition C.J. McCollum ($8,600) has provided a great scoring boost for the team, averaging 29 points on 52.8% shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from three.
The Lakers are favored by 1 point at home and the over/under is 223, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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