New Orleans Pelicans @ Los Angeles Lakers

Spread: LAL -2

Total: 222.5

Injuries

Pelicans

Zion Williamson - OUT

Larry Nance Jr. - OUT

Kira Lewis Jr. - OUT

Lakers

LeBron James - QUEST

Anthony Davis - OUT

Avery Bradley - OUT

Kendrick Nunn - OUT

 

MVP/CPT

 

LeBron James, LAL

James looked baaaad offensively the first game out of the break going just 6-for-18 from the field but did record a double-double. Hard to think he only gets three assists here again considering he’s averaging north of six per game on the year. Without Anthony Davis this year, LBJ has a 32.8% USG and averages 1.53 FP/min. Elite, elite numbers.
 

 

CJ McCollum, NO

It has been very apparent that McCollum is going to lead this team offensively, shooting and scoring. McCollum has taken 18+ shots in four of five games and has 30+ points in those same four. He’s put up 42+ DKP in five straight and 47+ in four of five. McCollum has 29.8% USG and 1.3 FP/min since arriving in New Orleans. Both team highs.

 

 

Carmelo Anthony, LAL

If you want to get all the spend-ups in this game including James, McCollum, Westbrook, etc., you’re going to have sacrifice somewhere. Using Anthony in the captain’s chair is that sacrifice and if he looks as good as he did last game, it’s not a sacrifice at all. He made his return from his injury and poured in 18 points and 33.3 DKP. He played 28 minutes and that role could grow even more moving forward as long as Anthony Davis is out.
 

UTIL

 

Jonas Valanciunas, NO

Without Anthony Davis around, the Lakers are lacking a true frontcourt defensive presence that will be able to handle Valanciunas over 30+ minutes. The Lakers will likely deploy Dwight Howard for another 25 or so minutes, but that won’t matter all that much. Valanciunas has looked great the last two games, notching double-doubles and 40+ DKP in each game. He’s dominating the glass too, notching 17+ rebounds in each. The Lakers are 22nd in rebounding in February.
 

 

Brandon Ingram, NO

Ingram had his best game playing alongside CJ McCollum yet his last time out, scoring 28 points while grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. Ingram is very capable of that type of line nightly and on top of that, this is a revenge game. 
 

 

Talen Horton-Tucker, LAL

With guys out, THT has been stretched out lately as he’s now played 24+ minutes in six straight games. He’s put up 21+ DKP in five straight games as well, coming off 16 points and 25.25 DKP in the first game since the All-Star break. No reason to think he can’t continue to see enough run to make him viable on this showdown slate.
 

 

Austin Reaves, LAL

The Lakers really trust their rookie guard right now and he’s been good and is effective on both ends. When his shot drops, he can be a very solid fantasy producer. He’s had at least one steal or block in three straight games, two assists or more in four straight, and has poured in at least 9 points in three of five. Dart throw.
 

 

Dwight Howard, LAL

What will the Lakers do with Howard today? Frank Vogel has not trusted his rotations all year and they’re ALWAYS changing. Howard played 26 minutes and started last time out, but will he in this spot? He was great on the floor and will likely be THE chalk play of the slate. I could even make a case – if starting – that he could be used in the captain's chair.