The Los Angeles Lakers opened up as 1.5-point underdogs ahead of their road matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
At the time of writing, they’re one-point favorites.
This turnaround isn’t much of a surprise.
They’ve beaten the Pelicans multiple times this season, and all by a good margin.
They were up against them by more than 30 points on Sunday in the regular-season finale, so not many people have faith in the Pelicans’ chances.
That doesn’t include Skip Bayless.
.@RealSkipBayless says the Play-In matchup with the Pelicans is a “very dangerous” game for the Lakers: pic.twitter.com/gXEsJ3JACD
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 16, 2024
Talking on “Undisputed,” he argued that Tuesday’s game will be very different than Sunday’s.
For starters, he believes Willie Green is a better coach than Darvin Ham, and that he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
He thinks Green will have his team much more prepared to play, adding that some logistical issues actually made the Lakers arrive in New Orleans before the Pelicans ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
The Pelicans have been significantly better than the Lakers this season, and they’re finally at full strength.
Of course, one can never count out a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but Ham’s coaching has left plenty to be desired, and the Pelicans could match up nicely with them.
Also, with Davis not at 100% because of a back injury, and Brandon Ingram getting his legs back under him after a long injury layoff, the Pelicans should at least make this a competitive game.
Whether that’ll be enough to take the Lakers down and secure the No. 7 seed, we shall wait and see, but this shouldn’t be another blowout.
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Shannon Sharpe Says NBA No. 1 Seed Is ‘Weak’