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, LOUISIANA – MARCH 08: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors is defended by Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on March 08, 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)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 08: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors is defended by Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on March 08, 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) /

Tuesday’s Opener in Toronto – New Orleans Pelicans @ Toronto Raptors

As if the Pelicans needed any more reason to be hungry besides being one of the youngest and most promising teams on the come-up in the league. They will also witness the Toronto Raptors receive their championship rings and have their banner raised to the rafters on Tuesday night in Toronto, in what will be the opening game of the entire NBA season.

Emotions will be high at Scotiabank Arena as the Raptors have always carried a loud and passionate fanbase. It will be very important for veteran leaders in Jrue Holiday, J.J. Redick and Derrick Favors to help channel the emotions of both the young players and rookies on this Pelicans squad to help weather the storm through the first few minutes of the game.

With Zion Williamson being out the first few weeks of the season, Brandon Ingram will be asked to step into a larger role in terms of ball handling and scoring for the Pelicans. He will most likely see some time at the four position and may be asked to guard the likes of Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka throughout the game.

Jrue Holiday will be the primary ball-handler as usual and will have to make smart decisions against a tough defensive team in Toronto, that loves to thrive off of capitalizing on turnovers. Hitting the three-point shot will also be crucial for this Pelicans team as guys like Jrue, J.J., Ingram and Nickeil Alexander-Walker who makes his return to his hometown for his NBA debut will be relied on heavily to knock down from range.

In order for the Pelicans to have a shot at stealing a game on the road in Toronto to open the season, Alvin Gentry will have to make sure three-point defensive rotations are in order as the Raptors are a team that likes to swing the ball and make the unselfish play when available. This oftentimes leads to break downs in team defenses and open looks for Toronto to take advantage of. If the Pelicans can play team defense and remain efficient enough on the offensive end to stay in the game, we could be in for an upset in Canada to get the season underway.

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