The New Orleans Pelicans have lost seven straight games and now host one of the top teams in the West on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers aren't at full strength without Austin Reaves, who has scored 64 points against the Pelicans this year, but their offense is still humming with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Los Angeles is 5-2 in the past seven games without Reaves.
The Pelicans could have some positive injury news on the way as they aim to return closer to full strength. New Orleans needs some good vibes coming their way, amidst this brutal losing streak. Most of these losses have been ugly. Can they change that on Tuesday?
Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off :
When is New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers?
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Streaming: Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, NBA TV
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Lines
Moneyline: LAL -230
Spread: LAL -5.5
Over/Under: 244.5
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injury Updates
The Pelicans finally saw Herb Jones upgraded from out to questionable before the game on Tuesday. He has missed the past seven games due to an ankle injury suffered against the Dallas Mavericks. Saddiq Bey, Dejounte Murray, Hunter Dickinson and Trey Alexander are also out.
Along with Reaves, the Lakers will also be without Rui Hachimura and Adou Thiero as they have been ruled out. Gabe Vincent is listed as doubtful due to a back issue, so he is also likely to be out.
Key To Victory for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Keep Los Angeles Inefficient From Deep
This is something that would be much easier if Jones ends up playing, but one way that teams are able to keep it close with the Lakers is by seeing Doncic and James taking a high volume of threes. They are both shooting under 33% on the season and aren't afraid to keep shooting if the shots aren't falling.
Doncic shot just 9-of-22 from the field and 4-of-12 from deep in the last meeting. That was great progress, but he got 14 free throw attempts, so it didn't really matter.
During Los Angeles' last loss, Doncic and James combined for 6-of-21 from beyond the arc.