Pelicans Vs. Magic Preseason Preview

The Pelicans start their 2023-2024 season campaign with a preseason matchup against the Orlando Magic.

New Orleans, LA - 181 days have passed since the New Orleans Pelicans took the court last in the Smoothie King Center. That game was a loss in the Play-In Tournament to the Oklahoma City Thunder. On Tuesday, the Pelicans open their preseason campaign against the Orlando Magic.

One positive about this upcoming season is the continuity in the starting lineup. New Orleans will start the same starting five in back-to-back years for the first time since 2008-2009. Coach Willie Green expects all the starters to play, but no more than 20 minutes for each of them.

The preseason for New Orleans is not one they will take lightly. Building chemistry for their top players is paramount because they haven't been on the court long enough together. Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum have played just ten regular season games together. On-court time will be key for the trio to develop and better understand each other on the court. 

New Orleans' opponent on Tuesday is one they did not have success against last season. The Magic swept the Pelicans last season, and New Orleans has lost six straight games to the Magic at the Smoothie King Center. 

Feb 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic rely heavily on reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, who averaged 20 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game a season ago. His running mate, Franz Wagner, is another young impressive player. Wagner averaged 18.6 points, four rebounds, and three assists in his second year in the league. Orlando is one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Their starting five a season ago consisted of every player being 25 and younger.

The Pelicans will rely on a bunch of youth this preseason as well. With injuries to Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado, and Larry Nance, Jr, New Orleans will trot out a trove of young players, including rookie Jordan Hawkins. He was selected with the No. 14 pick in this past NBA Draft. 

Hawkins sharpshooting skill set is sorely needed with the injury to Murphy III, and the team's inability to generate three-point shot opportunities last season. The Pelicans were second to last in the league in three-point attempts a season ago. 

The addition of assistant Coach James Borrego in the offseason will mean a revamped look for the team offensively. Borrego's motion offense is predicated on ball and player movement to generate open shots. The preseason is a perfect time to tinker with lineups and schemes ahead of regular season play.

New Orleans plays three preseason games in five days this week, so the team will get plenty of film to make adjustments with. Coach Willie Green echoed the importance of using this time to create momentum for the regular season. "The preseason games are important......we get to evaluate some film and try to continue to build and grow from there."