New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Players to Watch in the Finale vs. Lakers

Josh Hart

With J.J. Redick questionable with a hamstring injury,  Josh Hart needs to play well off the New Orleans Pelicans’ bench.

The Pelicans’ bench scored just 17 points in the last meeting with the Lakers, which is a problem. The Lakers often struggle with LeBron on the bench, which means the Pelicans need to take full advantage and it starts with Hart.

Hart disappeared in the last matchup, scoring just three points on 1 of 4 from the field. Hart has given the bench a spark for the Pelicans this season and they will need his rebounding and 3-point shooting if they want to have a chance against the Lakers.

Hart is one of the top rebounders for his position, pulling down 6.5 per game. The Lakers killed the Pelicans on the offensive glass in the last matchup, grabbing 14 against the smaller Pelicans.

The Pelicans need everyone to hit the defensive glass, not only so they can stop the Lakers from getting easy second chance buckets, but so they can get out in transition like they did here after eventually securing the board.

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1232510826294022145

Hart will likely see extended minutes if Redick is out. He needs to get some buckets off the bench and help a team effort on the boards.

If Hart and the Pelicans’ bench can have a big game, the Pelicans have a chance to pull off the upset.