Pelicans to battle Lakers (again) for spot in NBA playoffs

• If they'd won, it would have guaranteed them a spot in the playoffs and marked the Pels' first five-game winning streak of the season and the franchise's second 50-win regular season, the Athletic reports.

But they didn't. So now, we're back with our familiar friend, the play-in tournament, where the Pelicans will face a familiar foe, the Lakers, on Tuesday night.

• The winner gets the No. 7 seed and will go on to play the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
• How's that for a prize?

How it works: Teams in the Eastern and Western conferences were seeded No. 1-10, with the six best guaranteed a playoff spot.

• Teams seeded No. 7-10 have to play their way in, hence the tournament's name.

Yes, but: If the Pels lose against the Lakers, they've still got a chance to secure the 8th seed in the West.

• They'd have to beat the winner of Tuesday night's Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors game.

Between the lines: The Lakers have had the Pelicans' number this season, winning three of their four matchups. That included an early December drubbing, 133-89, and Sunday's matchup when New Orleans laid an egg.

• The Pelicans' lone win in the regular season series came on New Year's Eve when they won 129-109 in New Orleans.

How to watch: The play-in games run through April 19.

• Watch the Pelicans v. the Lakers on TNT at 6:30pm.