Pelicans Welcome Red-Hot Nets On National TV

New Orleans routed the Nets on Opening Night, but the rematch takes place with two of the Pelicans' biggest weapons watching from the sidelines.

Terry Kimble | Jan 6, 2023

Pelicans Welcome Red-Hot Nets On National TV /

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New Orleans Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans (24-14) will host the Brooklyn Nets (25-13) Friday evening in the Smoothie King Center. This game will be nationally televised on ESPN and the Pelicans are expecting a sellout crowd. New Orleans and Brooklyn met on opening night to start the season. The Pelicans defeated the Nets 130-108 in Brooklyn back on October 19. This time around the Nets are the hottest team in the NBA.

Since the departure of Steve Nash from the team, Brooklyn has won 21 of 27 games including 12 of their last 13. They are led by the two-headed monster of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving who are both playing at an All-NBA level. Containing those two will be a focus for New Orleans, but the Pelicans will have problems of their own. They will be playing without Brandon Ingram (toe contusion) and Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain). Larry Nance Jr (shoulder soreness) and Willy Hernangomez (right ankle sprain) are both listed as questionable for the game.

Since Jacque Vaughn has taken over as head coach, the emphasis has been on the defensive end. Since Nov 1, the Nets have held 7 opponents under 100 points. That's the most during that stretch in the NBA. Brooklyn ranks No 3 in the league for opponent true field goal percentage. With the Pelicans Top 2 scorers out, Coach Willie Green will need to be creative with how his team can manufacture offense. That will probably start with the Big Man in the middle.

If the Pelicans have one decided matchup advantage it would be inside. Back in October New Orleans outrebounded Brooklyn 61-39 and won the points in the paint battle 62-48. For the Pelicans to have a shot in this one they must establish Jonas in the paint early. This will allow for open three-point looks for CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III who are both shooting nearly 40% from deep. New Orleans must also avoid early foul trouble as the Nets rank near the bottom in free throw attempts a game and the Pelicans don't want to give them any free points.

The Pelicans have touted all year that they are one of the deepest teams in the league. That depth will once again be put on full display with guys like Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, and Jaxson Hayes getting extended playing time. Each of those guys have had big games recently that contributed to a Pelicans' victory. This game will be another one in which an unsung hero of sorts will have to step up to help the team win.

New Orleans hopes it's winning ways continue at home. The Pelicans are 17-4 at home this season, the best home start in franchise history. Since the Pelicans will be on the road quite often this month, it will be imperative for them to win as many at home as possible. Brooklyn will be looking to continue it's hot streak as they move up the Eastern Conference standings.

When: January 6 @ 6:30 PM CST
Where: Smoothie King Center
Watch: Bally Sports New Orleans, ESPN
Listen: 99.5 WRNO

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Published Jan 6, 2023

TERRY KIMBLE

Pelicans Scoop Writer