Lakers aim for seventh straight win against Pelicans
The Los Angeles Lakers (38-21) continue their push up the Western Conference standings as they host the New Orleans Pelicans (17-44) at Crypto.com Arena tonight at 7:30 PM PST.
Currently holding the No. 2 seed, the Lakers look to extend their six-game winning streak and strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive playoff race.
Austin Reaves will miss a second straight game tonight because of a right calf strain, the Lakers say. Luka Doncic has been upgraded to probable for tonight against the Pelicans.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 4, 2025
Reaves and Hachimura Remain Out
Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura will both miss tonight’s game due to injuries. Reaves remains sidelined as a precaution with a calf issue, while Hachimura continues to deal with patellar tendinopathy.
Despite their absences, the Lakers have managed to sustain offensive production, narrowly edging out the Clippers in a 116-112 victory on March 2.
Keys to the Game: Defense and Consistency
The Lakers showed flashes of elite defense in their last outing, particularly in the second quarter, where they held the Clippers to just 15 points.
However, their struggles in the second half—where Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers took control of both the third and fourth quarters—nearly cost them the game.
The key tonight will be maintaining defensive intensity for all four quarters, ensuring that momentum swings don’t put them in a vulnerable position.
Controlling the Controllables
New Orleans has several players capable of shifting the game’s momentum, including sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins and newly acquired Bruce Brown, who thrives on gritty defense and crashing the offensive glass.
The Lakers must remain disciplined, limiting second-chance opportunities and preventing perimeter threats from heating up.
Another key challenge will be handling Zion Williamson’s athleticism, as his ability to attack the rim and create mismatches will test the Lakers’ defensive schemes.
However, facing different offensive prototypes like Williamson’s power and explosiveness only strengthens the Lakers’ adaptability as they prepare for postseason competition.
The Lakers look to extend their winning streak to 7 games as they host the Pelicans tonight 👀
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 4, 2025
With the Knicks and Celtics on deck later this week, we CAN’T let this be another trap game 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WhiRBYoQGP
Home-Court Advantage & Standings Implications
Every win counts in the tightly packed Western Conference, and the Lakers’ strong home record (23-7) should work in their favor against a Pelicans team that has struggled on the road (6-25).
Statistically, the teams’ offenses are similar, with the Lakers averaging 112.7 points per game to the Pelicans’ 111.0. However, New Orleans holds an edge in rebounding, particularly on the offensive boards—a known weakness for the Lakers.
Depth & Perimeter Defense
The Lakers’ depth will be tested, with two key rotation players missing. Defensive-minded guard Jordan Goodwin, who has proven to be an impactful addition despite originally being a deep reserve, will also remain out due to injury.
His absence was felt in the previous game, and the Lakers will need to rely on other perimeter defenders to step up.
With playoff positioning on the line, the Lakers must maintain their focus and avoid complacency against a Pelicans squad looking to turn around its road struggles.
