Many Cleveland Cavaliers players will have had nightmares last night, after Avery Bradley sunk a buzzer-beating three to see the Boston Celtics win 104-103. LeBron James and co. would have thought they were home and host with nine seconds left, but lost their five point grip on the lead at the death. 

Meanwhile the New Orleans Pelicans have lost five of their last 10 games, including a disappointing 99-97 loss to the Western Conference's bottom team, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Thursday. Prior to their current losing streak however, the Pelicans had won five of their last six games, and will need to find that form tonight, to have any chance of winning.

Last Matchup

The two franchises last met up in early December, when New Orleans trumped the odds, winning 114-108 after overtime. In that game, star man Anthony Davis was the highest scorer for the winning side, posting 29 points and 12 rebounds. King James was the highest scorer overall however, but his 37 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists were not enough on the night. This victory could be key for the Pelicans tonight, who will no doubt have the psychological edge, having also won back in December 2014, in a 119-114 victory.

James - Davis

All eyes will be on the side's respective stars tonight, with James and Davis being the keys to their team's success tonight. LeBron James is the league's fifth highest average this season, averaging 25.0 points per game so far. Davis is the league's eighth best on average, with 23.4 points per game, but is three years younger than any of the other top 10.  Both will need to be on top form tonight. 

Struggling Pelicans

Despite seeing Davis score 21, 29, and 39 points respectively over their three game losing streak, the Pelicans have failed to score 100 points. New Orleans are still the tenth highest scorers so far this season, having averaged 102.4 points so far, which surprisingly, is .1 points per game more than their opponents tonight, the Eastern Conference leaders. Where the Pelicans are let down is on the defensive side of the ball, as they're the league's seventh-worst in terms of points allowed letting an average 105.1 points into their basket a game. The Pelicans currently sit 12th in the Western Conference, two wins behind the Denver Nuggets above them. They currently have 18 wins, and 31 losses this season.

Cavaliers Need To Kick On

At the start of the season, the Cavs were one of the outright favorites for the Eastern Conference, having finished second behind the Atlanta Hawks last year. And with the likes of LeBron, and young point guard Kyrie Irving on the cards, the Cavaliers currently sit first in the Conference. However, despite winning seven of their first eight games this season, Cleveland haven't been runaway leaders. A loss on Saturday would see them just one win ahead of the Toronto Raptors in second, who have won nine of their last 10 games. Cleveland are just 11th in the league's highest average scorers, and have had to rely on their impressive defense in order to lead the conference, giving up an average of just 96.9 points per game, with only the San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, and Miami Heat boasting better defensive records. If the Cavs want to take the Conference title, they need to kick on offensively. Their current record sits at 35-14.

Injuries

The Cleveland Cavaliers could have all their players available tonight, with only two players doubtful. Kevin Love will be hoping to play, as despite a reported thigh injury, he still played 22 minutes against Boston. Matthew Dellavedova, who has averaged 8.2 points per game this season, missed the game against the Celtics, and could return tonight from a hamstring injury.

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without one of their star players in the form of Tyreke Evans, who has been ruled out of tonight's clash with a knee injury. The shooting guard has averaged just over 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game this season.

Tip off is at 7:30 PM E.T.