The LA Lakers will visit the Smoothie King Center to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans, frankly speaking, have had a nightmare start to the season so far, and were winless in six straight games until they won against the Nuggets. In the meantime, the Lakers are on a roll, winning four games on the spin with their most recent win coming in the NBA Cup matchup against the Spurs.

Anthony Davis was the star of the show against San Antonio. Davis dropped 40 points and was supported by LeBron James, who on the night played a facilitator role getting 12 assists and 16 rebounds. On the other hand, Brandon Ingram has been the lone warrior for the Pelicans as his team is hard hit by injuries. He was the leading scorer for his side as they won against a Jokic-less Nuggets.

Speaking after the win Pelicans head coach Willie Green appreciated Ingram’s contribution amid the injury crisis saying, “He’s been a big time for us. Who knows where we would be without him on the floor right now? His contribution night in and night out has been at a super high level.”

This game might be too much of an ask for the Pelicans given their injury woes at the moment. The Lakers are in great form and will look to make it 5 wins out of 5 in this one. Let’s see the injury reports to get an idea of how much trouble the Pelicans are in right now and also look at the depth of each roster.

Lakers vs Pelicans Injury Reports

LA Lakers Injury Report

The Lakers are playing back-to-back games and have several injuries in their camp as well, including, Rui Hachimura. The forward was ruled out earlier with an ankle problem against the Spurs and will sit out this game as well. Then we have Jalen Hood-Schifino who is suffering from a groin injury, followed by Jaxson Hayes, who is set to be re-evaluated after two weeks as he recovers from a ankle injury.

Christian Wood according to head coach JJ Redick will miss at least four weeks of action, as he experienced soreness in his surgically repaired knee. Lastly, Jarred Vanderbilt has resumed light shooting drills but, it will be a while before he makes a full comeback onto the court.

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report

You could make a great starting lineup with the names present on the injury list of the Pelicans. As their struggles continue starting off with their guard Dejounte Murray, who underwent successful surgery on his hand and is expected to miss the next 4 to 6 weeks. Followed up by star Zion Williamson out with a left hamstring strain has no set return timeline as of now.

Jose Alvarado is also suffering from a left hamstring strain, the same as Zion, and will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Jordan Hawkins is out with a back issue, and CJ McCollum according to coach Green has started practice as he recovers from an adductor injury. At last, Herbert Jones who is out with a shoulder injury is back on the court but still is not doing any contact practice.

Depth Charts

LA Lakers Depth Chart

New Orleans Pelicans Depth Chart

With all of this being said and done, this is a great opportunity for the Lakers to pounce. This is not a game where the Lakers should heavily rely on James and Davis to get them a result. On the other hand, Brandon Ingram once again will be on the opponent’s radar being the best out this lot, and it will be an uphill battle for him and the Pelicans to get a favorable result.