Through 3 Quarters

We’ve seen some fireworks three quarters in as the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans have combined for 184 points. Los Angeles currently holds a 94-90 lead.

The Lakers have been led by small forward LeBron James, who so far has shot 7-for-10 from downtown and has recorded 35 points, four dimes and eight boards. LBJ’s night has made it four games in a row with at least 35 points. One thing to keep an eye out for is Wenyen Gabriel’s foul situation as he currently sits at four.

New Orleans has enjoyed the tag-team combination of small forward Brandon Ingram and small forward Trey Murphy III. The former has 19 points and five assists in addition to five rebounds, while the latter has 16 points.

The Pelicans haven’t lost 90% of the games in which they were down heading into the final period this year, so a victory here would be refreshing.

Who’s Playing

Los Angeles @ New Orleans

Current Records: Los Angeles 31-42; New Orleans 31-43

What to Know

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the New Orleans Pelicans at 7 p.m. ET Sunday at Smoothie King Center after having had a few days off. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Los Angeles was within striking distance but couldn’t close the gap this past Wednesday as they fell 126-121 to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the loss, the Lakers got a solid performance out of center Dwight Howard, who had 24 points in addition to eight boards.

Meanwhile, it was close but no cigar for New Orleans as they fell 107-103 to the San Antonio Spurs this past Saturday. Point guard Devonte’ Graham wasn’t much of a difference maker for New Orleans; Graham finished with only six points on 2-for-10 shooting in his 28 minutes on the court.

Los Angeles is expected to win this handily, but they should have beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder Nov. 4 easily too and instead slipped up with a 107-104. In other words, don’t count New Orleans out just yet.

How To Watch

• When: Sunday at 7 p.m. ET
• Where: Smoothie King Center — New Orleans, Louisiana
• TV: Bally Sports – New Orleans
• Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
• Follow: CBS Sports App
• Ticket Cost: $70.00

Odds

The Pelicans are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Lakers, according to the latest NBA odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Pelicans as a 3-point favorite.

Over/Under: -110

See NBA picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Series History

Los Angeles have won 13 out of their last 22 games against New Orleans.

• Feb 27, 2022 – New Orleans 123 vs. Los Angeles 95
• May 16, 2021 – Los Angeles 110 vs. New Orleans 98
• Mar 23, 2021 – New Orleans 128 vs. Los Angeles 111
• Jan 15, 2021 – Los Angeles 112 vs. New Orleans 95
• Mar 01, 2020 – Los Angeles 122 vs. New Orleans 114
• Feb 25, 2020 – Los Angeles 118 vs. New Orleans 109
• Jan 03, 2020 – Los Angeles 123 vs. New Orleans 113
• Nov 27, 2019 – Los Angeles 114 vs. New Orleans 110
• Mar 31, 2019 – Los Angeles 130 vs. New Orleans 102
• Feb 27, 2019 – Los Angeles 125 vs. New Orleans 119
• Feb 23, 2019 – New Orleans 128 vs. Los Angeles 115
• Dec 21, 2018 – Los Angeles 112 vs. New Orleans 104
• Mar 22, 2018 – New Orleans 128 vs. Los Angeles 125
• Feb 14, 2018 – New Orleans 139 vs. Los Angeles 117
• Oct 22, 2017 – New Orleans 119 vs. Los Angeles 112
• Apr 11, 2017 – Los Angeles 108 vs. New Orleans 96
• Mar 05, 2017 – New Orleans 105 vs. Los Angeles 97
• Nov 29, 2016 – New Orleans 105 vs. Los Angeles 88
• Nov 12, 2016 – Los Angeles 126 vs. New Orleans 99
• Apr 08, 2016 – New Orleans 110 vs. Los Angeles 102
• Feb 04, 2016 – Los Angeles 99 vs. New Orleans 96
• Jan 12, 2016 – Los Angeles 95 vs. New Orleans 91

Injury Report for New Orleans

• Larry Nance Jr.: Out (Knee)
• Zion Williamson: Out (Foot)
• Kira Lewis Jr.: Out for the Season (Knee)

Injury Report for Los Angeles

• Dwight Howard: Game-Time Decision (Hip)
• Kendrick Nunn: Out (Knee)
• Anthony Davis: Out (Foot)