Game Thread: Pelicans hope to play role of spoiler, ensure Lakers go to play-in tournament

The Pelicans will primarily be concerned with development but interested in playing the role of spoiler. The Lakers will 110% be focused on winning this final regular season game in New Orleans, all the while scoreboard watching during tonight’s matchup and hoping to see the Trail Blazers fall.

The only way the Lakers can avoid the Western Conference play-in tournament and get an extra week of rest in advance of the playoffs is if they beat the Pelicans and the Trail Blazers lose at home to the Nuggets.

Stephen Curry scored 46 points in leading the Warriors past the Grizzlies to cement the 8th seed for Golden State earlier today. Whichever team winds up 7th will have to face Steph’s Warriors in next Wednesday’s 7-8 play-in game. The loser of that matchup would then face elimination, needing to play the winner of the 9-10 play-in and come out on top to reach the playoffs.

Can you imagine if LeBron James and Anthony Davis were to miss these playoffs after winning the last championship in the bubble?!

Yeah, Geaux Pels!!!!!

For more on today’s matchup, please give Travis’ preview a read.

Who: New Orleans Pelicans (31-40) vs Los Angeles Lakers (41-30)

When: May 16, 8:00 p.m. Central

Where to watch: ESPN, Bally Sports New Orleans

Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM

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