New Orleans Pelicans: 3 key matchups to watch vs. the San Antonio Spurs
The New Orleans Pelicans look to get back on track against the San Antonio Spurs.
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to bounce back from a disappointing Christmas Day loss to the Miami Heat when they take on the Spurs in game three.
The San Antonio Spurs will come to the Big Easy for the Pels’ first home game, their only game at Smoothie King Center in their first five.
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The Spurs are a team the Pels are likely to be battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, so every game against them will be important for the Pels’ playoff hopes.
The Heat revealed some weaknesses for the Pelicans that they will have to improve if they want to win against the well-coached and disciplined San Antonio Spurs.
Here are the three matchups that will decide the game.
Matchup #1
Lonzo Ball vs. Dejounte Murray
Both Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe will spend some time on Dejounte Murray and stopping him will be key to the game.
Murray is the Spurs’ engine, which was obvious in their win over the Memphis Grizzlies, where he had 21 points, 9 assists, six rebounds and two steals.
The Pels struggled mightily to contain Goran Dragic against the Heat until Stan Van Gundy switched Lonzo Ball onto him. Ball gave Dragic trouble with his size and was able to slow him down.
This may prove to be the best strategy against Murray, as Lonzo can push him around, get into his chest and make things difficult for the smaller Murray.
The Pelicans have to keep him out of the lane and not allow his dribble penetration to open up looks for his teammates.