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
Pregame
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.
LeBron in the building for some #SoFiPlayIn action 🔥
LAL/NOP tips off at 7:30pm/et on TNT 🍿 pic.twitter.com/I8YzIvcaPk
— 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 16
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV channel: TNT
- Live 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.
