The New Orleans Pelicans face a daunting challenge as they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Cleveland holds the NBA’s best record at 15-1 and remains unbeaten at home (8-0). After taking their first loss of the season on Tuesday to the defending champion Boston Celtics, the Cavaliers should be eager to bounce back against a depleted Pelicans squad.
New Orleans enters this game in a free fall. The Pelicans are 4-11 overall, including a dismal 1-6 road record, and have lost eight of their last nine games. Their struggles are compounded by an unprecedented injury wave that has sidelined their top players. Brandon Ingram, the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, is out with a bilateral ankle sprain, joining Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and others on the injured list.
Tuesday’s 41-point blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks underscores the Pelicans’ struggles. Without key players, head coach Willie Green will rely heavily on a mix of rookies, two-way players, and newly signed veterans like Elfrid Payton to fill the void. Payton, a New Orleans native, brings valuable experience but hasn’t played in the NBA this season until now.
The Cavaliers, despite their strong record, have their own injury concerns. Darius Garland (groin), Caris LeVert (knee), and several others are unavailable for this matchup. However, their depth and home-court advantage give them the upper hand against a Pelicans team scrambling just to put a viable rotation on the court.
With Ingram sidelined, expect Brandon Boston Jr. to shoulder much of the offensive load for New Orleans. Boston, a two-way contract signee, has emerged as a bright spot amid the turmoil and ranks second on the team in total points (145). However, the Pelicans’ offensive and defensive struggles remain glaring, with the team ranked 29th in net rating (-11.1).
Cleveland will be and should be heavy favorites in this matchup. For the Pelicans, the priority is not just salvaging a win but also building cohesion and confidence in the face of adversity, something they’ve become all too familiar with.
The odds are stacked mightily against New Orleans, but surprises can happen in the NBA—especially on the second night of a back-to-back. Can the Pelicans rise to meet yet another challenge or will the misery continue?
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| G – Brandon Boston | G – Darius Garland |
| G – Javonte Green | G – Donovan Mitchell |
| F – Brandon Ingram | F – Sam Merrill |
| F – Trey Murphy | F – Evan Mobley |
| C – Yves Missi | C – Jarrett Allen |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Yves Missi (left shoulder soreness) is QUESTIONABLE. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (low back strain), Brandon Ingram (bilateral ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Trey Murphy (right hamstring injury management), Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland (sore left groin), Caris LeVert (left knee inflammation), Sam Merrill (left ankle injury management), Isaac Okoro (strained left ankle), Dean Wade (sprained left ankle), and Max Strus (sprained right ankle) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-11) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (15-1)
Season Series:
- Nov. 6: Pelicans lose to Cavaliers, 122-131
- Nov. 20: Pelicans @ Cavaliers
Series History: The Pelicans are 26-22 all-time vs. the Cavaliers. New Orleans has lost two in a row to Cleveland, and five of the last six against the Cavs.
Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
When: Nov. 20, 6:30 PM CST
Where to watch: Pelicans+, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
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