Published on: Nov 3, 2022 2:28 am IST|Updated on: Nov 3, 2022 2:28 am IST
LAL vs NOP Dream11: The NBA Regular Season has brought to us a bunch of amazing battles and so far, the Milwaukee Bucks have shown that they are the best defense. Apart from that, defenses have often struggled to keep the opposition down. How will the LA Lakers fare when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Lakers walk into this affair after nabbing their first win, beating the Denver Nuggets 121:110 as LeBron James posted 26 points. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the LA Clippers 112:91 as CJ McCollum racked up 22 points.
Host: LA Lakers Visitors: New Orleans Pelicans Match Timing: 3 November, @ 08:00 AM Venue: Crypto.com Arena
Just one game of success, more needed
The Lakers bagged their first win after losing five in a row. In that game, the key was the scoring aspect which was fizzled out in prior games. LeBron had been getting it done and so had Anthony Davis but it was Russell Westbrook who sparked a big run through his amazing all-around game. Westbrook is coming off the bench in the last two games and in the last match, he had perhaps the best performance of the season. Can he embrace this role and propel the Lakers to new heights?
Troy Brown Jr has been promoted to the starting role as he has done well on the defensive end and can also stretch the floor. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis’ defensive activity is vital as he has the ability to get it done both inside and outside. Austin Reaves has given a great lift off the bench but the frontline depth is thin and the Lakers have no injury cover for Anthony Davis. Can the Lakers find more depth from somewhere else in the lineup? The trouble for the Lakers has been that they haven’t sho well from the deep thus far.
The Pels have been deep The Pelicans have played some brilliant basketball thus far. They have been playing without Brandon Ingram for some games but despite that, they have had winning results. After all, they defeated the Mavs without both of their star players Ingram and Williamson. What has made them special is that Trey Murphy has elevated his shooting and has given them an additional and dependable shooting option. Naji Marshall has been solid too whereas CJ McCollum has been a major difference-maker as a shooter and playmaker.
While McCollum has been inconsistent in terms of scoring the ball, he has been pushing the ball well and running the Point well. And when Williamson is healthy, they look like a strong inside scoring unit, a brilliant defensive unit and can also perform better on rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas has continued to be a great team player, working hard on boards, scoring when needed, and also providing solid help defense. Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance bring hustle off the bench and overall, things are looking bright for the Pels. They need Williamson to be there for at least 60% of the season. Los Angeles Lakers | New Orleans Pelicans Games: 06 | 06 Wins: 01 | 04 Defeats: 05 | 02
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
Lakers Expected Starting Five Wing: SF: Troy Brown Jr. Point Forward: SF: LeBron James Big: PF: Anthony Davis Perimeter: PG: Patrick Beverley | SG: Lonnie Walker IV
BENCH: Russell Westbrook, Wenyen Gabriel, Damian Jones, Kendrick Nunn, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Austin Reaves, Scotty Pipper Jr., Matt Ryan.
New Orleans Pelicans News
Pelicans Expected Starting Five Middle: C: Jonas Valanciunas Forwards: SF: Njaor Marshall | PF: Zion Williamson Guards: SG: CJ McCollum | SG: Trey Murphy III
BENCH: Devonte Graham, Jose Alvarado, Willy Hernangomez, Garrett Temple, Jaxson Hayes, Dyson Daniels, Willy Hernangomez, Larry Nance Jr., Dereon Seabron.
LeBron James(LAL) Points: 26 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 08 Steals: 01 James has continued to put on big numbers but at this point, it is more than about wins, we know he is one of the best players. I believe he will be in 25-32 points, 8-11 Assists, and 7-11 Rebounds Range. LeBron can be chosen as the Star-Player in the Dream11 NBA scene. He is PROBABLE for the game.
Zion Willaimson(NOP) Points: 21 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 07 Steals: 01 Big Forward Zion is one of the best rim attackers in the league who can also give top rebounding and defense. I believe he will be in 18-24 points, 10+ rebounds, and 1-3 blocks range.
Anthony Davis(LAL) Points: 23 Rebounds: 15 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Star Davis has been giving the Lakers a lift on the defensive, scoring, and defense on a regular basis. I believe he will be in 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 1-3 blocks range. He is QUESTIONABLE.
CJ McCollum(NOP) Points: 22 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Guard McCollum is an amazing scorer and he can also provide immense playmaking, giving the Pelicans an efficient offense. I believe he will be in 20-26 points and 4-7 assists range.
Jonas Valanciunas(NOP) Points: 11 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Center Valanciunas is a strong rebounder, inside scoring, and he can be a decent help defend too. I believe he will be in 12-16 points, 10-15 rebounds, and 1-2 steals/blocks range.
Russell Westbrook (LAL) Points: 18 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 08 Westbrook’s intensity was phenomenal in the last game and he can rediscover his touch coming off the bench.I believe he will be in 16-22 points, 6-9 rebounds, 6-9 assists, and 1-3 steals range.
PG: R Westbrook, D Graham SG: A Reaves SF: T Brown, T Murphy PF: L James(SP), Z Williamson(PP) C: J Valanciunas
How will the Lakers react to the in-form Pels here? This match can be watched through the NBA League Pass, which has all the live games and their replay too. Scores, news, and stats can be followed on the official website of NBA. Nine-ten highlights can be followed on the official NBA YouTube channel.