New Orleans Pelicans Players that will impact playoff match-ups in April

Oklahoma City Thunder: Solomon Hill

For better or worse, there is no controlling Russell Westbrook, as Westbrook will always do what Westbrook wants. Therefore, similarly to why the Pels need Hill against Butler’s Timberwolves, with Paul George, they need that same, hard-nosed defense against the Thunder.

Hill happened to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league last season, defending shooters 3.5% below their average field goal percentage outside of fifteen feet. His .98 points per possession allowed on spot-ups last year would be second best on the team this year. And for an 89th percentile spot up shooter like George, the Pels need to pressure him as much as possible, even when the ball is out of his hands.

Hill is someone who can intercept driving lanes, sustain heavy pressure on ball handlers, contest three-point shooters and use his size when defending the post. That is exactly the type of player who should be defending George.