The hottest team in the West right now will look to extend their undefeated run when the Los Angeles Lakers host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena. Will the Pels cool down Los Angeles in stunning fashion? Or, will the Lakers keep the good times rolling with another victory?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11:30 AM, Manila time

Away: New Orleans Pelicans (17-44, 6-25 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • CJ McCollum
  • Trey Murphy III
  • Zion Williamson
  • Kelly Olynyk
  • Yves Missi

The Pelicans only have 17 wins so far this season, but five of those were earned over their last seven outings. With Zion Williamson playing at a high level, the Pels have become a dangerous team to face of late. The former Duke Blue Devils star has averaged 22.8 points on an incredible 59.7 percent shooting from the field in his last four games. In New Orleans’ 128-121 road win over the Utah Jazz last Monday, Williamson put up 24 points with nine assists and six boards. 

But it was veteran big man Kelly Olynyk, who shined the most on offense in that contest, as he led the Pels with 26 points on 10-for-14 shooting from the floor. Two other Pels also scored at last 20 points (Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum) versus the Jazz, showing that New Orleans is capable of getting big productions from several sources. The Pelicans are averaging just 111.0 points per game this season but they have put up 116.6 points in their last five outings.

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Home: Los Angeles Lakers (38-21, 23-7 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Luka Doncic (Questionable)
  • Austin Reaves (Questionable)
  • Dorian Finney-Smith
  • LeBron James (Probable)
  • Jaxson Haye

Lakers fans have been sleeping nicely with their Luka Doncic pillows of late, as their team has become the hottest team in the Western Conference. The Lakers will enter Wednesday’s meeting with New Orleans on a six-game winning streak. They are also 8-2 straight up in their last 10 outings. While the focus is always on the likes of Luka Doncic and LeBron James when it comes to the Lakers’ success, their defense shouldn’t be overlooked. 

The Lakers have allowed just 104.5 points per 100 possessions in their last six contests, the best in the league in that stretch. However, the Lakers might be without some key players for the Pelicans game, with James, Doncic and Austin Reaves getting uncertain status labels for Wednesday. Rui Hachimura is also still out with a knee issue. In any case, the Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last 10 games and in each of their previous three outings. 

Picks

Spread: New Orleans Pelicans (+8.5)

Over/Under: Under (229.5)

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