New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs: Roundtable preview

Dec 20, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans players (left to right)

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and Anthony Davis look on from the bench during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Pelicans 114-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Who is the most important non-Anthony Davis Pelican on Wednesday? 

Charles LaRocca (@CLaRocccaJr): Ryan Anderson, He is an x-factor that can change a game with his shooting. Granted he has been struggling lately and his defense has been worse than usual this season, but in a game of this magnitude against a better Spurs team, the Pelicans have to lean on the hope that Ryno can get in rhythm and knock down a few threes. If he can provide the Pelicans with that spark off the bench it will open up the Pels offense and allow guards to penetrate and AD to have more room to operate in the paint.

Joe McAloon (@joemcaloon1): Tyreke Evans. I would say Jrue Holiday, but there is too much uncertainty with his minutes to judge what kind of impact he can make. Evans will likely be the most prominent ball handler, which has produced mixed results this season. If there is ever a game where we need Tyreke to be secure with the ball, it is this one. The Spurs will be bringing it defensively, so if Evans is the lead creator we need him to play with his head up, looking to set up open teammates and do what he does best: get to the rim. This cannot be an eight turnover night from Tyreke, there is too much on the line

Rick Stone (@RickStoneNBA): Quincy Pondexter. Since the Pelicans got Q-Pon, he’s been electric from behind the arc. However, that’s not the reason he’ll be the key as he will be tasked with guarding Spurs star Kawhi Leonard. Leonard has been the key for the Spurs throughout this year and on this recent run for San Antonio, his defense has been electric. Quincy will have to find a way to stay a key part of the offense without getting forced into too many turnovers and keep Leonard contained enough for the Pelicans to win this game. Quincy’s biggest task will be to play smart basketball against one of the smartest teams in the NBA. It’s a daunting task, but one that could get the Pelicans into the playoffs.

Matt Cianfrone (@Matt_Cianfrone): This was a question I switched answers on three or four times. At first I thought Omer Asik was the answer as his rim protection and rotations would be key in slowing the Spurs ball movement and offense. Then it was Jrue Holiday as a steadying presence off the bench. Then it was Ryan Anderson as a floor spacer to create space for Anthony Davis. Finally though I settled on Tyreke Evans. The Pelicans are going to need to get points from players other than Anthony Davis which means Evans needs to be effective and efficient. If he can do that the Pelicans will have a chance. If not they can’t win the game.

Next: The one to slow