Published on: Apr 15, 2022 3:57 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 16, 2022 7:04 am IST
LAC vs NOP Dream11: As the NBA Play-in tournament reaches its concluding stages we are heading towards the Playoffs. The eighth spot is open for the two remaining Play-in squads and in the second part of the doubleheader, Western Conference teams Los Angeles Clippers and the New Orleans Pelicans will meet here.
The Clippers blew a golden chance to seize the seventh spot as the Timberwolves downed them in the fourth quarter. The Clippers gave a great fight but now they will have to beat the Pelicans in the elimination game to advance ahead. With George back in the picture, they look better on both ends but the Pels are on fire these days.
The Pelicans defeated the Spurs 113:103 in the last game as McCollum rained in 32 points. Since McCollum has been a part of the Pels, they have done a terrific job on both ends of the floor. He has a strong team around him and they can notch the eighth spot if they make a huge push away from home.
Host: Los Angeles Clippers Visitors: New Orleans Pelicans Match Timing: 16 April, @ 07:30 AM Venue: Staples Center
Challenges for both squads The first four Play-in games have been won by teams that have had the home-court advantage and the Pelicans will not be having the advantage this time around. The Clippers will have the crowd behind them and they could have surely used that energy against the Timberwolves, a game that got away from them during the clutch situation. Apart from that, the Pelicans’ perimeter defense will have the hands full with Paul George and perhaps the young Forward Herbert Jones is going to draw that match-up.
For the Clippers, containing CJ McCollum can be a challenge, especially after he had a 32 points outing. The other challenge is Brandon Ingram who also sparked for a 27 points performance. Both these players are also capable of making tough passes, so that is why the Pelicans’ offense has been clicking. However, that is not all, another area where the Pelicans can draw an advantage is the Center position where Jonas Valanciunas is coming off 20+ points and 10+ rebounds night, while Clippers’ Ivica Zubac has been doing well, he hasn’t been as consistent as Jonas.
Norman Powell gives the Clippers bench an edge as the Pelicans outside of Jose Alvarado have not been able to make a deep dent. Robert Covington also comes with rebounding and defensive principles. The rebounding battle can be close here but I believe the challenge for the Pelicans will be also taking care of Reggie Jackson, who has been amazing during the Postseason scenario. The Pelicans will need more out of Jaxson Hayes here to get some inside production while Herbert Jones’ main job will be taking care of the defensive end.
Fantasy-related tips The ace for the Clippers will be Paul George and the Pelicans have two major options in CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Valanciunas has been a more consistent producer in the Center position whereas Ivica Zubac can still give decent production. Norman Powell will be huge off the bench and he can give a more than decent amount of offense and I believe he will be ready to pop off in this big game. Morris, Batum, Hayes, and Herbert can act as the more than decent fillers in the fantasy-related lineups.
Performance Predictions Highest Scorer: CJ McCollum: 29 Highest rebounder: Jonas Valanciunas: 14 Highest assists maker: CJ McCollum: 8 Score Prediction: Pelicans 114 Clippers 108
Los Angeles Clippers Team News
Clippers Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: PF: Nicolas Batum Perimeter Wing Scorer: Marcus Morris Sr. Inside Presence: C: Ivica Zubac Athletic Guard: Terance Mann Scoring and Playmaking Guard: PG: Reggie Jackson
BENCH: Robert Covington, Luke Kennard, Isaiah Hartenstein, Amir Coffey.
New Orleans Pelicans News
Pelicans Expected Starting Five
Athletic Forward: PF: Jaxson Hayes Defensive Forward: F: Herbert Jones Rebounding Specialist: C: Jonas Valanciunas All-around Wing: SF: Brandon Ingram Scoring Guard: G: CJ McCollum
BENCH: Devonte Graham, Gary Clarke, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, Willy Hernangomez, Trey Murphy III, Garrett Temple.
Paul George(LAC) Points: 34 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 05 Steals: 03 As expected, off-guard George had a huge night in the last Play-in game versus the Timberwolves and he is one of the best two players. I expect a 28-35 points, 6-8 rebounds, 5-7 assists, and 1-4 steals range. He can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 42-54
CJ McCollum(NOP) Points: 32 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 07 Blocks: 01 Guard CJ has been a huge influence both as a scorer and playmaker and there is no doubt that the trade to bring him in has propelled the Pelicans to the current situation. He was red-hot versus the Spurs and he can be in 26-32 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 40-52
Reggie Jackson(LAC) Points: 17 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 05 Premium Guard Reggie struggled to finish the Regular Season and he has risen his game during the Postseason, as indicated in the last game. Expect a 15-20 points and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 2
Brandon Ingram(NOP) Points: 27 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 05 Wing Ingram showed his full prowess in the last game and has been an essential part of the Pels’ setup. The highly springy wing can be in 22-28 points, 4-6 assists, and 5-7 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-50
Ivica Zubac(LAC) Points: 07 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 01 Blocks: 02 Middle player Ivica has done a great job as a rebounder but he will need to pick his scoring further. Zubac can be in 9-14 points and 7-12 rebounds range along with 1-2 blocks. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 16-28
Jonas Valanciunas(NOP) Points: 22 Rebounds: 14 Assists: 02 Blocks: 02 Steals: 01 Sturdily built Center Jonas was a god-sent to the Pels in the offseason and what a fantastic rebounding and scoring season he has had. I expect him to be in 17-23 points and 11-15 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42
(Recommended) PG: R Jackson SG: C McCollum(SP) SF: T Mann, N Batum, B Ingram(PP) PF: R Covington C: I Zubac, J Hayes
(Alternate) PG: R Jackson, J Alvarado SG: N Powell, C McCollum(SP) SF: N Batum PF: R Covington C: J Valanciuas(PP), J Hayes
Wouldn’t it be fun to watch Paul George go toe-to-toe against Brandon Ingram? There is good news for Indian viewers. The two official streaming platforms JIO TV and Voot are going to display this game while MTV and VH1 will also flash it out. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the NBA.