NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans had wandered into dangerous territory just before December’s end, by dropping three straight at the Smoothie King Center. However, back-to-back wins over the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers send the Pels into 2024 on a high.
New Orleans is 7-3 over its last 10 games, still holding on to sixth place in the Western Conference standings. The Pelicans also have the chance to finish their five-game home stand with a winning record, something that seemed inconcievable after losses to Houston and Memphis.
The “Big 3” of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum have led the way. In the last two wins, they’ve combined to average 71.5 points, 15.0 rebounds, 21.0 assists, 3.5 steals, and 3.0 blocks with an aggregate +/- of 31.5.
And, the impact of a healthy Larry Nance Jr. can’t be overstated. Nance, who says he feels better than he has at any point of his tenure in New Orleans, has been the leader of the second unit. Nance has scored 20 points in his last two games on 70.0% shooting (2-3 3PA), while also tallying 17 rebounds and five steals.
The Pels will be without Trey Murphy III for the second consecutive game, so they recalled Jordan Hawkins from the G League to take up some of the slack in outside shooting. Despite the emphasis on three-point shooting, the Pelicans have only shown a slight uptick in attempts and percentage from a year ago.
Keys to Victory
Dominate inside. The Pelicans average 52.8 points in the paint per game. In their wins that climbs to 54.4, with the Pels outscoring opponents by 8.5 points. When the Pelicans lose, they lose the battle down low. Winning in the paint begins with Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas and the offense working from the inside out. Williamson has been particularly adept lately at creating buckets when the defense collapses around him.
Don’t let the Nets get going from deep. Brooklyn ranks 11th in the NBA in three-point attempts this season and eighth in makes. Four of the Nets’ five starters are legitimate shooting threats, and when Cam Thomas comes off the bench, he’s coming to shoot. The Pelicans have been successful at forcing opponents into high-volume/low-shooting numbers beyond the arc, and that needs to continue tonight.
Stay in attack mode. Even with defensive stalwarts like Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, the Nets rank just 24th in the NBA in defensive rating. New Orleans must keep the Nets moving by sharing the basketball and driving right into the heart of the Brooklyn defense.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Brooklyn Nets | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Spencer Dinwiddie | G – CJ McCollum |
| G – Mikal Bridges | G – Herb Jones |
| F – Cam Johnson | F – Brandon Ingram |
| F – Dorian Finney-Smith | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Nic Claxton | C – Jonas Valanciunas |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Matt Ryan (right elbow surgery) is Out. Trey Murphy III (knee soreness) is Questionable.
Brooklyn Nets: Ben Simmons (lower back nerve impingement) and Lonnie Walker IV are Out. Dorian Finney-Smith (left knee soreness) is Probable.
Who: Brooklyn Nets (15-18) at New Orleans Pelicans (19-14)
Season Series:
- Jan. 2: Nets at Pelicans
- Mar. 19: Pelicans at Nets
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Jan. 2, 7:00 PM CT
Where to watch: Bally Sports New Orleans
Where to listen: WRNO 99.5
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- Pelicans Return Home With Chance to Continue Winning Ways Versus Ja, Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans’ Attack Ramps Up; Long-Range Shooting Spike May Be Here to Stay
- Pelicans Begin 3-Game Road Trip Against Woeful Wizards
- Zion, Pelicans Can Make Some Adjustments To Max Out Their Max Player
- Pelicans Return From Vegas Hoping to Avoid Hangover Versus Timberwolves
Great first half, and boy do we need this game. January schedule is BRUTAL. Back to back road games against Mavs, at Minny, at Milwaukee, at Denver, at Boston, Clips at home
With blowout win and limited minutes from starters, hopefully there won’t be rest day tomorrow for anyone.,
The last two games the team has continued to feed off Jose’s energy. Stay healthy GTA