The setup favors the home team. New Orleans had yesterday off. The Lakers, playing on Lebron's birthday, lost an emotional battle at Minnesota. That will give New Orleans an advantage.

The Pelicans got Larry Nance back last game and he makes them better. Coach Green said this about Nance's return: "Having Larry back was huge for us. That's the Larry we're all accustomed to seeing, and credit to him, he worked his tail off to get himself ready to come in and play and be who he is to this team."

The Lakers blew out the Pelicans in the in-season tournament and now New Orleans gets even. ***Weekend Wipeout***