Pelicans Shooting for Undefeated Road Trip Against LaMelo Ball, Hornets
Will the New Orleans Pelicans be able to keep the pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers for the 9th seed or will playing back-to-back road games while missing several All-Stars finally catch up to CJ McCollum and Jonas Valancuinas against LaMelo Ball’s Charlotte Hornets?
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets Game Info
- When: March 21, 2022 @ 6:00 PM CT
- Where: Spectrum Center Charlotte, NC
- How To Watch/Listen: Bally Sports NO, ESPN 100.3FM New Orleans
Mar 20, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks guard Delon Wright (0) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Expected Starting Lineups:
- New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Naji Marshall, Jaxson Hayes, Jonas Valanciunas
- Charlotte Hornets: Lamelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr., Miles Bridges, Mason Plumlee
The New Orleans Pelicans (30-41, 9th Western Conference) look to go undefeated on their three-game road trip as they visit Lamelo Ball’s Charlotte Hornets (36-35). New Orleans can put some distance between them and the Los Angeles Lakers for 9th with a win. However, they will again take the court without Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans are just 5-16 without their All-Star wing.
Charlotte is starting to play their best basketball. They have used a four-game winning streak to squeak above .500 for the season. The Hornets are 18-17 at home but the Pelicans are a resilient 7-2 in their last 9 road games. The Hornets are the second-best (115.1 ppg) scoring team in the NBA, hitting 36.3% (8th) of their three-pointers.
Charolotte averages 27.5 assists (2nd) per game, mostly thanks to LaMelo Ball and transition opportunities. The Hornets are 5th in steals per game, though the Pelicans sit just behind them in 7th overall. New Orleans is a slightly better rebounding team and has a better free-throw percentage. Ball protection, clearing the boards, and limiting mistakes will continue to be Willie Green’s marching orders.
New Orleans can lean on Atlanta’s inability to hit free-throws (27th) and turnovers (13.2 per game) to keep the game close if not run out with another big road win. New Orleans should continue closing clutch situations with Jose Alvarado if not push him into the starting lineup. Devonte’ Graham (right hip soreness) is has been listed as questionable on the injury report and needs time to get refreshed. His play was far too inconsistent before sitting out some games.
CJ McCollum can score with anyone but he will need all his veteran savvy to slow down Lamelo Ball, who is averaging 19.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Herb Jones will have his hands full with Miles Bridges (20 ppg, 7 rebs, 4 assists) on the wing. Jonas should again be able to exploit mismatches en route to another 20-point double-double.
The SI Sportsbook has seen the fight of this team leading to a respectable line. Will the New Orleans be able to keep the pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers for the 9th seed or will playing back-to-back road games while missing several All-Stars finally catch up to the Pelicans?
