New Orleans Pelicans Schedule: Five Most Intriguing Games

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Feb 10, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives past Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Jazz 100-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Monday, March 17th: New Orleans Pelicans @ Utah Jazz

The young teams of the Western Conference will inspire some great battles.

Unlike the Houston Rockets, the Utah Jazz show a polar opposite gameplan to what the New Orleans Pelicans ran last season. The Jazz focus on defense first and using their strength and size inside to bully their opponents.

The Pelicans will have to answer to a team that has gotten even better from their fairly surprising run last year. The Jazz added notable Spurs backup Boris Diaw to their core, looking to build a team that can be a sleeper candidate in the playoffs.

While the style of the Jazz seems like it would’ve given New Orleans fits, the Pelicans went 2-2 in the season series. The Pelicans will look to take full advantage of Utah’s struggles scoring the ball by attacking in transition. This, even with the moves made, is still a major focal point to the offense.

Jrue Holiday will have a tough task in Utah, as he’ll be challenged by newcomer to the Jazz George Hill. When playing against George Hill last season, the Pelicans lost twice in two tries. Hill’s a solid guard with the ability to keep the offense moving. With a team that’s still learning, a late game in the season against a Western Conference rising contender will be a battle. New Orleans will have to be up for the challenge.

Next: Another Playoff Deciding Game Versus Golden State?

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