New Orleans Pelicans: 3 key matchups vs. the Miami Heat

New Orleans Pelicans: Steven Adams vs. Bam Adebayo

Matchup #2

Steven Adams vs. Bam Adebayo

Steven Adams played an outstanding game on both ends against the Toronto Raptors.

He protected the rim, came up with four steals, set hard picks and even had a couple of nice takes to the rim, one of which involved a Euro-step. Adams already looks like a great fit.

But he’ll have a much taller task against Bam Adebayo. Against Toronto, Adams was marking Aron Baynes, who the Pels were perfectly happy to allow to shoot 3-pointers.

Baynes didn’t draw Adams away from the hoop and the Pels were able to limit points in the paint. Adebayo is far more active and a much better overall offensive player than Baynes.

Adebayo will probably spend some time being defended by Zion Williamson but Steven Adams will set the tone.

He will need to keep Adebayo off the offensive glass, secure defensive rebounds for himself and others and close out on Adebayo’s mid-range jumpers.

This will be a tough task for Adams, as Adebayo is more of a power forward and much quicker than traditional centers like Baynes.

It is going to take a team effort to stop Adebayo, who had 25 points and 11 rebounds in their loss to the Magic.