Game recap: Pelicans pump the Pistons and look to drain the Lake Show

The New Orleans Pelicans continue their sprint to the All-Star break. Following three-game road swing, they’ll close this week at home versus the Lakers.

The New Orleans Pelicans are looking forward to the NBA All-Star break. After coming off a three-game road swing, the Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Wednesday.

Last night, the Pels were in the Motor City playing the reshaped Pistons. Led by Blake Griffin, the Pistons are looking to make the playoffs as well this season.

The Pels are looking like they are finally adjusting to being without DeMarcus Cousins. Defeating the Pistons 118-103, the Pelicans have a bit of momentum heading into All-Star weekend.

Dropping 38 points on 14-of-24 shooting, Anthony Davis was a monster. This is his second 30 plus game in a row and his third 30 plus game of the month. Jrue Holiday also chipped in 21 points as did Nikola Mirotic.

Although the biggest story of the night was the return of former Pelican/Hornet player Emeka Okafor, who in 14 minutes posted eight points and seven rebounds. Six of those rebounds were offensive. Because of this, Okafor will continue to his return to the NBA, signing a second 10-day contract via Marc Stien of the New York Times.

Okafor was inserted into starting lineup, moving Mirotic to the bench. This is proving to be a smart chess move by head coach Alvin Gentry. As a result, the Pelicans bench outscored the Pistons bench 43 to 20 behind Mirotic and Darius Miller who had 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting.

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New Orleans is now turning their attention to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The Lakers were active during the NBA trade deadline trading Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to Cleveland for Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye. The Lakers will likely be without their point guard Lonzo Ball who has been sidelined since January 13th with an ankle injury.

Still, the Lakers are not an easy victory. Brandon Ingram is doing a solid job filling in for Ball averaging 19.8 points a game during February. The Lakers are a great transition team. They love to get out and run.

Getting a win versus the Lakers before the All-Star break is important. Only three games separate the fifth seed from the tenth seed in the West. New Orleans is right in the middle of the hunt at the eighth seed.

Next: Pelicans Round Table Discussion

The signings of DeAndre Liggins and Oakfor are bringing new life to the Pels. I would still hope that the Pels are keeping a close eye on the NBA buyout market.