NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans will face a tall test in their preseason opener against the Orlando Magic. The Magic have five players in their regular rotation listed at 6-10 or taller. The Pelicans have none.
So, as the Pels enter their “small ball” era, they will be tasked with keeping a long, tall, and athletic Magic team off the glass and out of the paint. Orlando ranked third in defense and fourth in rebounding last season and earned the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic’s frontcourt has dominated the Pelicans in previous seasons, as Orlando has won 10 of the last 12 regular season matchups between these two franchises, including five in a row.
Last season the Magic swept the Pelicans by a combined 26 points.
But, that was then. The Pelicans have a new point guard in Dejounte Murray, who has had some of his best games against the Magic. Last season he averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists as he helped the Atlanta Hawks to a 3-1 record versus Orlando. One of his most memorable moments of the season was an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer to give Atlanta a 106-104 win over the Magic back in February.
Head coach Willie Green will look for the synergy between Murray and veteran CJ McCollum, which has been seen in practice, to carry over to today’s game. “Both of those guys are seasoned vets. They understand how to get to their spots offensively. They are playing off one another. Add (Brandon Ingram) to the mix, (Zion Williamson), Herb (Jones), Trey, (Daniel) Theis, all of those guys are playing well together. We’ve got to continue to work on it. Adding Dejounte, this is his first time with this group. It looks good, but it will be something we continue to work on and get better.”
According to Green, Murray, McCollum and the rest of the Pelicans’ starters should play for roughly 20 minutes in Monday’s matinee. “More than likely it will be 20 minutes and under, something like that,” Green said.
One player who will not be available is forward Trey Murphy III. Murphy will miss the entire preseason slate with a hamstring injury, making a small Pelicans team even smaller.
What To Watch For
Tempo: The Pelicans ranked 16th in the NBA in pace last season. If playing small is going to be successful, they will have to play faster basketball and use their speed, quickness, and versatility to their advantage. If the Pelicans want to run, they must end defensive possessions with rebounds and advance the ball quickly in transition.
Get your 3s up: The Pelicans were one of the best teams in the NBA at shooting the three last season, converting 38.3% of their attempts from beyond the arc. However, they were 18th in makes (12.5) and 24th in attempts (32.6) per game. With Trey Murphy sidelined the pressure is on the rest of the starters, particularly Brandon Ingram, to increase their three-point attempts. There is also an opportunity for reserve sharpshooters like Jordan Hawkins and Matt Ryan to step into the void.
Effort: It isn’t wise to read too much into any preseason game, so whether or not the Pelicans win or lose is secondary to seeing if this team relies on the principles that Green and the rest of the coaching staff are instilling during training camp. Do they box out? Do they run the floor with purpose? Are they aggressive on both ends of the floor?
Health: The Pelicans’ ability to remain healthy has been the biggest hindrance to reaching their potential since the Zion Williamson Era began. Navigating the preseason without seeing another rotation player sidelined is something the team can’t control, more injuries would raise the degree of difficulty for the Pels getting off to a good start this season.
Probable Starting Lineups
| Orlando Magic | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Jalen Suggs | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Franz Wagner | F – Herb Jones |
| F – Paolo Banchero | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Wendell Carter Jr. | C – Daniel Theis |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III (hamstring strain), and Brandon Ingram (rest) are OUT.
Orlando Magic: None
Who: Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans
Preseason Schedule:
- Oct. 7 – vs. Orlando Magic
- Oct. 11 – at Orlando Magic
- Oct. 13 – at Miami Heat
- Oct. 15 – at Orlando Magic
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Oct. 7, 12:30 PM CT
Where to watch: Pelicans.com
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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