Here is what you need to know before the Lakers host the New Orleans Pelicans.
1) The Lakers enter Tuesday’s game on the mend, as D’Angelo Russell (right ankle sprain) and Brandon Bass (corneal abrasion) are listed as probable after missing Sunday’s meeting with Utah. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant (right Achilles strain) is considered questionable.
2) Roy Hibbert has unleashed some dominant performances on New Orleans in the past. The 7-foot-2 center scored a career-high 30 points against the then-Hornets on Feb. 21, 2012 and then swatted a career-best 11 blocks against them just nine months later.
3) However, the Pelicans have gotten the better of the Lakers recently, winning five in a row against the purple and gold. This includes last year’s four-game sweep — New Orleans first ever over Los Angeles.
4) The Pelicans are under new leadership, as Alvin Gentry — who won the championship last year as an assistant with Golden State — is their new head coach. However, his team is currently just 11-24 after recording an 18-18 record at this point last year.
5) Neither coach has enjoyed much success against the opposing team. Gentry is 8-22 against the Lakers during tenures with Miami, Detroit, the Clippers and Phoenix. Meanwhile, Byron Scott — who was New Orleans’ coach from 2004-09 — has gone just 4-12 against his old team.
6) The Pelicans could be dealt their biggest blow possible, as Anthony Davis could miss the game with a back injury. The First Team All-NBA selection ranks second in the NBA in blocks (2.5), fifth in rebounds (10.8) and 11th in scoring (22.8).
Anthony Davis, PUT IT IN REVERSE! @NBATV #NBARapidReplay #HOUatNOP https://t.co/U2mljtshBG
7) Tyreke Evans would be the likely candidate to assume a bigger role if Davis doesn’t play. The 2010 Rookie of the Year does a bit of everything for the Pelicans, averaging 15.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.1 assists.
8) Ryan Anderson has submitted his early application for Sixth Man of the Year, as he leads the league in scoring off the bench (16.7). However, he has struggled lately, shooting just 21-of-60 in his last five games.
Ryan Anderson from the parking lot! @ESPN #NBARapidReplay #NOPatMIA https://t.co/JjWDcV9sQM
9) Anderson is the main catalyst for New Orleans’ increased reliance on its bench. The Pelicans reserves score a league-high 41.3 points per game, though they also allow the second-most points (46.0).
10) Opponent scoring has been an issue all year for New Orleans, which surrenders the 106.0 points per game — the third-highest mark in the NBA.
