The Pelicans are coming into this game with a 12-10 record this season and they have been playing well recently with 3 wins in their last 4 games. The Pelicans finished the group stage of this tournament with a 3-1 record and they beat the Kings by 10 points on the road to get here. They are going up against a Lakers team that is 13-9 this season and has also been playing well recently as they have won their last 2 straight as well as 3 of their last 4 games. The Lakers are coming off of a win against the Suns in their last game to get to this one and they have been very focused on this competition as well, going 4-0 during the group stage. The Lakers are very motivated to win this game as this is 1 competition LeBron has not won and he would love to get that NBA Cup in it's 1st year of existence so he can add that to his list of achievements. There is also going to be some extra motivation for AD as well since he will not want to lose in the semi finals against his old team. The Pelicans have a very good team that has been getting healthier recently but it is not going to be enough to beat this healthy Lakers team that is going to bring everything they have for this game and leave it all on the court. The motivation is much stronger for the Lakers to win this competition so LeBron and company will rise to the challenge on this big stage and win this game to advance to the finals. The Lakers will cover the spread in this game.