The NBA postseason kicks off Tuesday with the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
The Pelicans will host the Lakers in a matchup where the winner will secure the No. 7 seed and a first-round series against the defending champion Nuggets. The loser’s season will not be over yet. They’ll take on the winner of the Warriors vs. Kings 9-10 game for a chance to claim the No. 8 seed and a first-round series with the Thunder.
LeBron James and the Lakers were in this same position last season, winning their first Play-In game before going on a run to the Western Conference Finals. The Pelicans are no stranger to the Play-In either, participating in the tournament for the third year in a row.
This time, New Orleans will have star forward Zion Williamson available for his first-ever postseason game.
Will the Lakers take care of business and secure a playoff spot, or will the Pelicans learn from last year’s exit and clinch the No. 7 seed? The Sporting News has you covered with live updates, highlights, and more below.
PREVIEW: Predictions for Lakers vs. Pelicans Play-In game
Lakers vs. Pelicans live score
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Lakers Pelicans
MORE: Why Lakers losing to Pelicans in Play-In could be a blessing in disguise
Lakers vs. Pelicans live updates, highlights
(All times Eastern.)
First quarter
7:45 p.m.: The pace has been one to behold early on.
Just past the midway point of the first quarter, these teams have combined for 41 points. LA has a one-point lead as the first timeout of the night comes with 5:10 remaining in the first.
D’Angelo Russell leads all scorers with eight points while Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with five points. Jonas Valanciunas has four points, six rebounds and an assist and New Orleans is winning the rebounding battle 9-6.
The early difference? The Lakers are 4 of 6 from 3-point range while the Pelicans are 2 of 5.
Lakers 21, Pelicans 20
7:37 p.m.: After a slow game on Sunday, Jonas Valanciunas gets the Pelicans on the board first after a trip to the free throw line.
The 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament is underway.
Pregame
7:15 p.m.: It’s about that time. Anthony Davis and LeBron James look ready.
Locked in pic.twitter.com/EKQF13aFTJ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 16, 2024
7:07 p.m.: Starting lineups are in.
Starting for the Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas.
Starting for the Lakers: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
6:45 p.m.: Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both officially available for the Lakers tonight. Cam Reddish has been downgraded to out, joining Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood on the inactive list.
It’s a clean injury report for the Pelicans, who will be at full strength.
6:07 p.m.: Lakers head coach Darvin Ham says “In all likelihood, he’ll be out there. For sure,” when asked about Anthony Davis’ status for Tuesday night.
5:35 p.m.: After experiencing back and hip spasms on Sunday, Anthony Davis is warming up for tonight’s game.
Davis said he’d definitely be playing against his former team and he appears to be on track to do so.
4:50 p.m.: Tip-off is over two hours away but LeBron James is already on-site at the Smoothie King Center and ready to get to work.
— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2024
Lakers vs. Pelicans betting odds
The Pelicans opened as 1.5-point favorites over the Lakers according to BetMGM, an authorized gaming operator of the NBA.
Spread Total Moneyline Lakers +1.5 (-115) o224.5 (-110) +100 Pelicans -1.5 (-105) u224.5 (-110) -120
MORE: TSN’s Steph Noh shares his expert All-NBA picks
Lakers vs. Pelicans date start time, TV channel, live stream
Date: Tuesday, April 16Time: 7:30 p.m. ETTV channel: TNTLive stream: Sling
In the United States, Lakers vs. Pelicans will air nationally on TNT. Viewers in the U.S. can also stream Lakers vs. Pelicans on Sling TV.
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