BREAKING: Zion Williamson, LeBron James, Brandon Ingram Status For Lakers-Pelicans Season Finale
The game and injury status for the Los Angeles Lakers versus the New Orleans Pelicans in Sunday's regular season finale.
BREAKING NEWS: Brandon Ingram Returns To The Pelicans Lineup
The New Orleans Pelicans (49-32, 7th Western Conference) season finale against the Los Angeles Lakers (46-55, 8th Western Conference) has plenty at stake for both teams. New Orleans controls its fate under head coach Willie Green to finally land in the NBA postseason without playing in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
If the Pelicans win on Sunday, they will secure the No. 6 seed. However, if New Orleans loses and Phoenix defeats the Timberwolves, the Pelicans will fall to the No. 7 spot in the conference and participate in the play-in tourney.
LeBron James and the Lakers hope to keep the No. 8 seed for a good reason—it's complicated. They will remain at No. 8 by defeating New Orleans. However, a loss and tie with Sacramento and Golden State (should they win) could send them to the No. 10 spot. Winning and keeping the 8th seed will give L.A. two opportunities to win a play-in game and eventually leap into the NBA Playoff round.
Mar 19, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) warms up
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
PELICANS GAME STATUS REPORT
Today's season finale will have the Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson and the red-hot CJ McCollum starting with Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas in the lineup. Good news for New Orleans as Brandon Ingram and Naji Marshall are QUESTIONABLE for this important clash with Los Angeles. Larry Nance Jr. missed a game for personal reasons but will be available.
The Lakers list LeBron James as probable, but most likely will play since conference positioning is on the line.
Sidenote: In the last four games, CJ McCollum has made 29 treys and is shooting 61.7% from beyond the arc. He also set the club's season record for three pointers at 232, per New Orleans Pelicans.
The New Orleans projected starters:
- CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Jonas Valanciunas
The Lakers projected starters:
- LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura
Feb 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
GAME INFO: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS vs. LOS ANGELES LAKERS (SEASON FINALE)
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans (49-32) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (46-55)
- Game Info: Regular Season Game #82 • Road Game #40
- Venue: Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, LA
- Date: April 14, 2024 • 2:30 PM (CT)
- TV: Gray TV • Radio: WRNO 99.5 FM
- Officials: John Goble (#10) - Crew Chief; Pat Fraher (#26) - Referee; Ashley Moyer-Gleich (#13)- Umpire
- Uniforms: New Orleans (City Edtion); Phoenix (Association Edition)
PELICANS INJURY REPORT
- Naji Marshall (shoulder): Questionable
- Brandon Ingram (Left Knee; Bone Contusion): Questionable
LOS ANGELES LAKERS REPORT
- LeBron James and Anthony Davis: Probable
- Jarred Vanderbilt: OUT (right foot)
- Christian Wood: OUT (left knee)
