Pelicans shootaround update: New Orleans has chance to solidify play-in spot in L.A. this weekend

For the third time over a four-game stretch, the New Orleans Pelicans enter a matchup Friday that carries more stakes than your average contest during the lengthy 82-game schedule. With only six games remaining, New Orleans (33-43) has an opportunity this weekend in Los Angeles to move into excellent position to cement a Western Conference play-in berth, while also increasing its chances of earning at least one postseason home game. In fact, the Pelicans – whose play-in magic number is 4 – could clinch a spot as early as Sunday night, but would need to beat the Lakers and the Clippers over the next 72-plus hours, while getting one assist on the scoreboard (the Lakers face Denver on Sunday afternoon, also in Crypto.