New Orleans Pelicans: Things to Watch with Season on the Line vs. Spurs
The New Orleans Pelicans have to play with desperation vs. Spurs.
The New Orleans Pelicans‘ stated franchise goal was to play “meaningful” games this season and they will get their chance against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are coming off a victory over a Utah Jazz team that did not play all of its guys, while the Pelicans won an uninspiring game against the heavily depleted Wizards.
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The Spurs have been one of the surprise teams in the bubble, going 3-2 and putting themselves in the conversation for a playoff spot, while the New Orleans Pelicans have disappointed, going 2-3 and watching their chances slip away.
The New Orleans Pelicans haven’t really put together a complete game yet, which is disappointing, but also encouraging, as we’ve not seen what this team is fully capable of.
Here are some things to watch when the New Orleans Pelicans take on the San Antonio Spurs with their season on the line.
Can the Pelicans Get Out Fast?
The Pelicans have fallen behind in every game so far, which has been a huge problem.
Even against the Wizards, who were without their three best players, the Pels got out of the gate slowly, looking lifeless, especially on the defensive end.
They were able to hold on and eventually wear down the depleted Wizards, but that won’t happen against a good team.
The Pelicans cannot continue to fall behind by double digits in the first quarter and have to bring the defensive intensity from the start of the game.
They let up 32 against the Wizards in the first after giving up an insane 49 points to the Kings the game before.
The Spurs are a well-coached, disciplined team that is not going to give the game away if they get up big. If the Pelicans fall behind again early, they will be chasing the Spurs all game and probably won’t catch them.