Russ: High-stakes Pels matchup to have a playoff-type atmosphere

Russell Westbrook is expecting a raucous environment at Smoothie King Center ahead of Sunday's critical matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans.

"It's going to be a playoff-type of atmosphere for us because it's definitely a must-win, I believe, for our group," Westbrook said following the Lakers' 126-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

The 31-42 Lakers are currently a half-game up on the 30-42 Pelicans for the West's No. 9 seed. However, New Orleans, which plays two more games this week before hosting the Lakers, could find itself ahead of L.A. in the standings prior to Sunday's anticipated meeting.

In addition to the Pelicans and Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs are also in the play-in tournament race. San Antonio sits just two games behind Los Angeles with nine games remaining.

The No. 9 seed will have home-court advantage over the 10th-seeded team in the first play-in game. The winner of that contest must then beat the loser of the No.7-No. 8 matchup to reach the postseason.

LeBron James' status for Sunday's showdown remains unclear after he sat out L.A.'s loss to Philly with left knee soreness. James, who's averaging 35.7 points over his last nine appearances, will have up to six days of rest before the game.