New Orleans Pelicans: 3 key matchups vs. the Toronto Raptors
The New Orleans Pelicans will need to win these matchups vs. the Toronto Raptors.
The New Orleans Pelicans start their season with a tough road game against the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors were one of the best teams in the East last season and could be even better this season after adding Aron Baynes and re-signing Fred VanVleet.
This will be a good test for the Pelicans, as the Raptors are representative of the types of teams that gave the Pels trouble last season: veteran, disciplined, good defenders who don’t make a lot of mistakes.
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The Raptors are also loaded at the wing with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, who just signed a fat rookie extension yesterday. Josh Hart is likey looking at that contract and licking his chops, though he and the Pels could not come to an agreement.
The Pelicans should have some advantages against Toronto, but will also have some unfavorable matchups. Here are the three battles that will decide the game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors: Key matchups to watch
Eric Bledsoe vs. Fred VanVleet
Lonzo Ball will also likely spend some time on VanVleet, but when he is not on the floor, Bledsoe will get these duties.
This is an interesting one-on-one battle, as both Bledsoe and VanVleet are strong players who can defend and get to the rim.
Whoever can stop the other from getting to the rim will win this battle, as neither of these two are great shooters. Bledsoe in particular has to stop FVV from getting into the lane, as his dribble penetration is a big part of their offense.
If Bledsoe can force VanVleet to settle for contested jumpers and keep him out of the lane, the Pelicans should be able to limit points in the paint, which has been a focus of the offseason and one of the early positive trends.