The New Orleans Pelicans have gone from losing three out of four to winning three out of four, following their rout of the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
After struggling offensively for a couple of weeks, the Pelicans seem to have found their way. Over their last four games, New Orleans leads the NBA in offensive rating (124.9), net rating (20.9), and second in true shooting percentage (63.0).
Leading the way has been the resurgent efforts of Trey Murphy III. After having difficulty finding his rhythm for most of the season, “Trigga,” it appears, is back. Over the last four games Murphy is averaging 24.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game; all good for second-best on the roster during this stretch.
His 10 three-pointers versus the Raptors tied his career high and his season-high 34 points were the most for the third-year forward since he set his career-high with 41 against the Portland Trail Blazers on Mar. 12 of last season. He also tied the best plus-minus rating of his young career with a +44, giving Murphy three of the four highest individual +/- ratings in Pelicans franchise history.
Murphy has also been at his best when it counts the most. In the fourth quarter of this quartet of contests, Trey leads the Pelicans in points (6.8), field goal percentage (72.7), and three-point percentage (70.0).
The Pelicans have already surpassed last season’s road win total with 19 wins away from the Smoothie King Center, trailing the franchise record by seven with nine games remaining. For a franchise that has topped the 20-win plateau just three times in its history, these Pelicans have been true road warriors.
With the Sixers down three starters, including former MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star Tyrese Maxey, the Pelicans are rested and ready to possibly extend their winning streak to the three straight games.
The best case scenario would be the Pels getting off to another hot start with a 40-plus point first quarter and ending this one early. The more often the Pelicans can finish off lesser opponents early, the better as they continue their push towards the postseason.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Philadelphia 76ers |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Cameron Payne |
| G – Herb Jones | G – Buddy Hield |
| F – Brandon Ingram | F – Nicolas Batum |
| F – Zion Williamson | F – Tobias Harris |
| C – Jonas Valanciunas | C – Paul Reed |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels (left knee meniscectomy) is OUT.
Philadelphia 76ers: Robert Covington (knee), Joel Embiid (knee), Tyrese Maxey (concussion), and De’Anthony Melton (back) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (37-25) at Philadelphia 76ers (35-27)
Season Series
- Nov. 29: Pelicans def. 76ers, 124-114
- Mar. 8: New Orleans Pelicans at Philadelphia 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center
When: Mar. 8, 6:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gray Television Affiliates
Where to listen: WRNO 99.5
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- Will Missing Dyson Daniels Damage the Pelicans’ Playoff Push?
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