In his last ten games, he has scored a lot, with an average of 24.7 points, exceeding the 24.5 mark in seven contests. Moreover, Zion's resilience after subpar games (14 points) speaks volumes about his competitive spirit. Lately, he's 3-0 in bouncing back with a vengeance after failing to hit the 24.5-point threshold, suggesting that any dip is merely calm before another scoring storm. Zion should have a big scoring game against Anthony Davis, who is far from 100% healthy.

Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram played 23 minutes in his return Sunday from a knee injury that kept him out 12 games. His minutes are slated to increase in Tuesday's play-in game. After the Lakers' dominated in the paint in their 124-108 win Sunday, Ingram repeatedly spoke about the need to play with more force in Tuesda's rematch. Look for Ingram to grab at least five rebounds for the fourth straight time vs. LA.

Zion Williamson silenced a lot of doubters down the stretch proving he not only had gotten into shape and put to rest some of his durability concerns, but played at an extremely high level, I'd even argue was an MVP candidate. This scoring line for him is simply too low and even with the return of Brandon Ingram to the lineup, I anticipate Zion leading the offense for New Orleans. I also believe the Lakers lack the personnel to defend him. Lastly, I anticipate Zion playing huge minutes and like this over quite a bit.

Zion Williamson has learned to bounce back from stinkers. In the second half of the season, he has followed up poor shooting nights with upwards of 36 points. He's had a strong season over trend and a strong past month specifically, going 11-5 to the over averaging almost 25 points. The Sportsline Model makes the number 27.8.

I see little reason to fade this player who has stepped up the last 2 months. Rui Hachimura has eclipsed this number in 9 of his last 10 games, averaging just over 17 points. He found himself as a big playoff presence last year against Denver as well. The Lakers will need his size and athleticism against this big Pelicans lineup, and there is always the chance AD slows down a bit.

Worrisome for the Pelicans, as in a game that demanded some urgency, they instead allowed themselves to get trounced by the rampant Lake Show on Sunday. AD (30 points) and LeBron (triple-double) were in top form, and another emphatic win for the Lakers in a key game over NO (as in the IST before the holidays). Not fully convinced the Lakers are going to pull out the hammer again in the quick Tuesday rematch in the play-in at Smoothie King, but this series has tended to be higher-scoring this season, with the winning team on 124 or higher in all four meetings. LA also enters the play-in on a 16-6 "over" run; Pels 6-2 "over" last 8. Play Lakers-Pels "Over"

I hate to cap too much off one result, but what the Lakers just did to NO in NOLA Sun, in a game that matters big for both teams, was telling. No one could stop LBJ when he played bully ball, they pushed NO around in the paint (68 points!), AD played rum protector and they exuded defensive want to. Pels trying to figure out what Brandon Ingram has to offer after so long out. Not good time. LAL win 5 in row on road and 7 of 8. Young Pelicans have lost 5 in a row at home and Lake Show might be in their heads. LAL whacked them 3 of 4 meetings