Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans games that fans must watch in December

By Willie Lutz

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans (L) shares some popcorn with a fan prior to the start of a NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center on December 01, 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 - DECEMBER 01: Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans (L) shares some popcorn with a fan prior to the start of a NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Smoothie King Center on December 01, 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) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks over Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks over Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Wednesday, December 11th, New Orleans Pelicans @ Milwaukee Bucks

When the New Orleans Pelicans embark on a quick Eastern Conference road trip this December, they’ll open on the road in what’s always a must-watch game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Granted, it’s got less to do with the match-up and more to do with the fact that the New Orleans Pelicans only get to play the reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo twice per year.

At this point, it seems Giannis could be well on his way to a second-straight MVP campaign. The Greek Freak is currently leading his Bucks through a twelve-game winning streak while averaging 30.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and is posting a 60.1% effective field goal rate.

Already one of the worst defensive units in the league and certainly a unit that struggles to slow down superstars, the Pelicans will have a really hard time winning this game if they don’t show up with complete focus.

While the Bucks likely won’t have Khris Middleton for this match-up as he recovers from an early-season injury, the Pelicans have to find answers for Eric Bledsoe, Brook Lopez, and Donte DiVincenzo, all of whom can space-out a bad Pelicans defense.

Will the Pelicans keep this game close enough to make it a battle between Ingram and Giannis in the fourth quarter?

As pointed out by Will Guillory of The Athletic, the Pelicans have one of the worst clutch offenses in the league this season, relying far too often on iso sets in key moments.

However, the Pelicans have to make sure they can stay in the game long enough to even get to the closing moments of a match-up against a squad like the Bucks.

Brandon Ingram has been the go-to man in the fourth quarter this season for Alvin Gentry, so it’ll really be about how much runway the team can give him heading into the fourth. If they’re trailing big, it won’t happen, but if they can keep it within ten, it’ll be a battle.

It’s worth noting now that Giannis is one of the finest holistic players in the league and taking him into the clutch is still an advantage for the Bucks. This one could be huge for Ingram if he can lead a New Orleans’ surge over Milwaukee.

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