The Los Angeles Lakers forced this matchup with a 124-108 win in the regular-season finale, and that win should give them a big psychological advantage. The Pels might also feel a bit deflated, as they could've avoided the play-in tournament altogether with a win in that game.

Even so, one could argue that the New Orleans Pelicans have a better team than the Los Angeles Lakers, but they do not have the same playoff experience on their roster.

LeBron James does not choke this early in the playoffs, and I fully expect Anthony Davis to play even though he's listed as questionable.

3* PLAY ON THE LAKERS.