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

New Orleans Pelicans: Trying to defend Jimmy Butler

Matchup #3

Brandon Ingram vs. Jimmy Butler

The Pelicans’ wing defense is getting quite a test right out of the gate, first with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby and now with All-Star Jimmy Butler.

Wing defense is going to be something to watch all season, as the Pelicans don’t have much size or depth there.

The Pelicans used a combination of Ingram, Josh Hart and even Lonzo Ball to defend the wing against Toronto and they’ll have to do the same against Butler.

Butler will likely defend Ingram, especially after Ingram torched Tyler Herro in the preseason (with Butler out) and made it clear that Herro cannot defend B.I.

Butler is a physical defender who will try to get into Ingram’s face and force him to take tough shots. Ingram just needs to do what he did in the second half against Toronto, which is to let the game come to him and set up his teammates when he doesn’t have a good look.

The Pels aren’t great defensively on the wing but the good news is that Brandon Ingram is a nightmare for everyone else, so it balances out.

The New Orleans Pelicans will need to win matchups at all three levels to beat the Miami Heat.

Have a happy and safe holiday!