New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Things to Watch in Final Scrimmage vs. Bucks

New Orleans Pelicans: Which reserve will earn a spot?

Who Wants a Rotation Spot?

Alvin Gentry has not really tipped his hand about the rotation or which of the fringe bench players might be in it.

So far the bench has played well, but there have been a few standouts that could earn rotation spots with another strong game.

Both Frank Jackson and Kenrich Williams brought defensive energy off the bench and it was noticeable when they were in the game. They will be needed tonight against the much-bigger Bucks.

Both Jackson and Williams played solid defense against Jokic and both have the strength to defend larger players, which will be useful against some of the bigger lineups they’ll face.

Jaxson Hayes has gotten plenty of chances in the scrimmages and has done some things really well, particularly protecting the rim. He seems to have dialed his game back a bit and is focused on being a rim protector, which is a good sign.

E’Twaun Moore is sure to get some run in small ball lineups and has shot the ball well in the scrimmages so far. He could be a key, especially defensively, as Gentry has been reluctant to use Redick at the three if Ingram is playing power forward.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has looked good at times, but is way too sloppy with the ball, and has shown some questionable shot selection, so I can’t see him getting off the bench much in real games.

The New Orleans Pelicans struggle defensively at times, so Gentry may opt to go with some combination of Jackson and Williams along with bench regulars Redick, Nicolo Melli and Hart.

We should know more about rotations after tonight, as things will likely tighten up, especially in the first half.

The Pelicans are hoping to head into the eight-game finale with plenty of momentum that they can carry to the playoffs.