Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Setting up week one of the Pelicans’ 2019-2020 season

By Steven Balkos

Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans talks to James Harden (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans talks to James Harden (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 24: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Kenneth Faried #35 of the Houston Rockets during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans went undefeated in the preseason at 5-0 and will begin their 2019-20 campaign this Tuesday in Toronto taking on the defending champion Toronto Raptors. Here is what to come in the first week of action from this young Pelicans squad without Zion Williamson.

There were many bright spots and positive takeaways to note from the New Orleans Pelicans preseason play throughout the month of October. From Zion Williamson’s efficiency on the floor, to fellow rookie Nickeil Alexander-Walker lighting up the NBA for double-digits in limited minutes off of the bench, this young Pelicans squad looks destined for growth and development this season.

With Zion now being listed as out for the first weeks of the season following an MRI, many will question how the Pelicans will bridge that gap and stay competitive in a very tough Western Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans schedule is difficult to say the least out of the gate, as the team faces seven teams that were in the playoffs last season within their first eight games. Remaining competitive and having both veterans and young guys step up in Zion’s absence will be crucial to the Pels having a chance at this year’s NBA Playoffs.

While losing Zion creates some issues, the show must go on. The Pelicans still have many capable scorers, rebounders, ball handlers and creative players in transition to help fill some of what Zion may bring to the table. Suddenly, free agent signings such as J.J. Redick and acquisition of Derrick Favors from Utah become much more valuable and these veterans will be forced to make an impact on and off the court in the early going.

The New Orleans Pelicans play three games in the opening week of the NBA campaign. They will begin their season on Tuesday, October 22nd in Toronto where they will watch the Toronto Raptors raise their banner to the rafters and receive their championship rings, and then will travel back home to Smoothie King Center to take on the up and coming Dallas Mavericks. The Pelicans will finish the week in Houston taking on the new tough and dynamic backcourt of James Harden and Russell Westbrook on Saturday. Each of these three games will require toughness, grit and efficient scoring in order to come away with the victory and even sans Zion, don’t expect this Pelicans team to bow down.

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