Game Thread: Pelicans at Memphis

Post #1 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 6:37 pm

Game Preview -- New Orleans vs Memphis

Keys to the Game

LIMIT SECOND CHANCES
Memphis is one of the most aggressive teams in the league, particularly when crashing the offensive glass (ranked sixth in offensive rebounding percentage in 2022-23). It’s imperative that New Orleans prevents the Grizzlies from getting extra chances. This is strength vs. strength – the Pelicans were fifth in defensive rebounding percentage last season.

MATCHUP TO WATCH, PART I
At guard, McCollum and Bane are among the NBA’s most dangerous threats from the perimeter, with both ranking in the top 25 of three-point makes last season. Bane was No. 18 at 2.9 per game, while McCollum finished 21st at 2.8. That number could increase this season with McCollum on the floor more with Ingram and Williamson.

MATCHUP TO WATCH, PART II
Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jackson and Memphis’ interior defense will try to replicate some of their previous efforts in creating a wall around the basket vs. Williamson. The two-time Pelicans All-Star played in both Memphis visits last season, shooting 12/28 from the field, including a 14-point outing that was his second-lowest tally of 2022-23.

NBA.com

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Post #2 » by **Jamaaliver** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 6:38 pm

Man, when it rains it pours...

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Post #3 » by **VCfor3** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 1:21 am

Decent start to the game and then gave up a massive run. Need to lock in the second half and JJJ needs to get going. Maybe one of these years we will be able to reliably shoot the deep ball, but it won't be soon if we keep encouraging X to shoot them. He does so much so well, and he can hit the occasional open 3, but parking him in the corner on possessions isn't it.

esvl · Post #4 » by **esvl** » Thu Oct 26, 2023 3:14 am

It turns out that without Ja, we are just another mediocre NBA team. Get used to it guys. I have no other comments after this game.

jefe · Post #5 » by **jefe** » Fri Oct 27, 2023 11:53 am

The Pelicans (at full strength) are tough a matchup for us even when we're fully health, so I wasn't too surprised by the outcome. We can't get absolutely killed on the boards and have a terrible night shooting and expect to win unless we win the turnover battle by something like 15 TOs - and that likely won't happen often