Lakers vs. Pelicans preview: Stop spreading your wings, Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are back home after a grueling five-game road trip that ended with a miraculously fitting ending against the Philadelphia 76ers. The New Orleans Pelicans are in a battle of their own, scrounging for every win as desparately as the Lakers need wins for that top-five pick. Anthony Davis has the birdies 2.5 games out from the Thunder with little time to spare. Winning-out is all the team can do.

The Lakers will have empowered Jabari Brown following the announcement of his multi-year deal with the Lakers. Fresh off a 22-point outburst against the 76ers he should be riding high with confidence. Jeremy Lin is set to return to the starting lineup, lining up with Jordan Clarkson once again.

There's not much else to follow in this one. The Pelicans need this win to keep their playoff hopes alive, which means Davis should swoop in with a vengeance. His player efficiency rating -- though not an end-all be-all stat -- is in a class that belongs to just Michael Jordan and LeBron James dating back to the 80's. The dings he's played through during the season, along with other injuries the team has sustained, have made for a challenging season for a team that's been in and out of the playoff seedings this season.

What we're here for is development and sight-seeing to close the season out, and there are just six home games left for the franchise-worst Lakers. The end is near, enjoy the exit with grace.

Time: 7:30 p.m. PT

Station: TWCSN