The Los Angeles Lakers will play the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament this Friday, and the game will be important in determining whether the Lakers can advance to the playoffs. While the Lakers finished eighth in the regular season, a loss to the Pelicans in the play-in tournament could see them face the mighty Denver Nuggets or the winner between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.
Anthony Davis was the heart of the Lakers' defense, but he withdrew from the game late in the regular season due to physical discomfort, and if he can't play in the play-in tournament, it will be a huge impact on the Lakers' combat effectiveness. On the other hand, the Lakers' James had a strong final quarter, averaging 8.1 points per game to rank first in the league in fourth-quarter scoring, and they need to be better on defense and avoiding turnovers.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, they have home-court advantage in the playoffs, and while the Pelicans have not been in inconsistent form with their players, the Lakers can't be taken lightly as they beat the Pelicans in the regular season.
As for the Western Conference standings, it is not yet certain, but at this stage, the Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Clippers, Mavericks and Suns could finish in the top six, while the Lakers, Warriors and Kings may have to fight for the last two playoff spots through the play-offs.
The results of the play-in games will determine the Lakers' playoff opponents, and if they do manage to advance, they will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, which is also a formidable team. Hopefully, the Lakers can overcome the odds and make it to the playoffs.