Oh it’s going to be tense tonight at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles! Frank Vogel’s men are on the brink, as a defeat against a direct opponent would seriously reduce their hopes of qualifying for the Western play-in. And as bad news never comes alone, LeBron James is very uncertain for the meeting. Bad luck.
Go big or go home, you know ? Because there, it really is a perfect description of what is at stake in tonight’s game for the Lakers. The King’s band is currently eleventh in the West, tied with the Spurs who are also playing their future tonight. Concern: the Spurs play in Portland, the thirteenth, who have nothing more to play. Second concern: for the Purple and Gold, it’s the Pelicans, who are also playing their skin tonight since they have “only” two victories in advance, and therefore have no joker to burn, what’s more against a direct opponent. Third concern: the presence of LeBron James, the machine that has held the Lakers’ head above water since the start of the season, is very uncertain tonight. And frankly, if the locals had to do without their leader, it would get really complicated. Well yes, without him, the Lakers are six wins for fifteen losses this season. Anthony Davis is listed as probable, the Shams having expressed their desire to return tonight… After more than a month of forced break. Fourth concern: even with the King, the Angelinos are on a series of four defeats, including one on Tuesday at the opponent’s tonight. Victory is therefore essential at all levels, to do good for the lead and the standings.
Lakers star Anthony Davis plans to return Friday vs. the Pelicans, barring setback, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Davis has been sidelined since Feb. 14 due to mid-foot sprain. Big Lakers-Pelicans game with Play-In ramifications.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2022
On the Pels side, it is a little more lightly than Willie Green’s men will arrive at Crypto this evening. Why ? Because the guys from the Bayou have taken three successes in their last four games, including one against Chicago, which will undoubtedly have boosted the morale of the troops. Then chained a capital victory against the Lakers and an encouraging success against the Blazers, the Pelicans arrive here full of confidence and sure of their assets. However, there is no question of overestimating the opponent. LeBron or not, AD or not, the guys opposite will have the slab because the stake of the match is a season, neither more nor less. Side absences it’s square, everyone will be there except Zion but he is very busy with the dunk contests at the moment, you have to understand too.
CA-PI-TAL match tonight live from Downtown Los Angeles. Two teams play their season, and that can awaken unexpected instincts in some of the players. Take-off time: 4:30 a.m. It’s late, so plan the alarm clock or the coffee, because it’s unmissable!
Source texte : ESPN