Will Kevin Durant & James Harden Play Tonight? Pelicans vs Nets: Predictions, Injury Report & Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans will look to get their bid to make the play-in tournament back on track when they host an under-manned Brooklyn Nets tonight. While the Pelicans lie in 11th place in the West, the Nets lie in 2nd place in the East, just a game behind the table-topping Sixers.

Date & Time: April 20, 2020, 6:30 pm ET

Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans

Preview | New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans arrive into this game on a back of an ugly run. They have lost their last three games; on the other hand, Steph Curry has been single-handedly carrying the Warriors to victories. This has left the Pelicans 3.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Warriors.

However, it is not because of any lack of effort from their superstar, Zion Williamson. The 2019 Number one pick has been living up to all the hype surrounding him this season. He’s been breaking numerous scoring records, lately.

And that should concern the Pelicans‘ front office. After all, Zion flirted with the idea of joining the Knicks recently. If they don’t start building a winning team around him, he will likely leave them in the near future. Coming back to tonight’s game, only Josh Hart and Alexander-Walker are the injury concerns for them.

Starting 5 for the Pelicans

Guard – Lonzo Ball

Guard – Eric Bledsoe

Center – Steven Adams

Forward – Zion Williamson

Forward – Brandon Ingram

Preview | Brooklyn Nets

The Nets did not just lose the game to Miami Heat a couple of days ago, they also lost Kevin Durant to injury. He joins James Harden (hamstring) on the treatment table with a left thigh contusion. Both of them won’t play any part in this game.

Injuries are mounting for them, not to forget that LaMarcus Aldridge retired with a heart problem. So, the mantle will be on Kyrie Irving to lead the team against the Pelicans tonight. Claxton is also out because of the league’s health and safety protocols, so Blake Griffin will start at center.

Starting 5 for the Nets

Guard – Kyrie Irving

Guard – Bruce Brown Jr.

Center – Blake Griffin

Forward – Jeff Green

Forward – Joe Harris

Predictions | Pelicans vs Nets

Unfortunately for the Nets, their rivals are the slight favorites going into this NBA encounter. The Pelicans won’t have a better opportunity than this to break their losing streak.

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