New Orleans Pelicans: Offseason additions will decide the game vs. Suns

New Orleans Pelicans: Chris Paul vs. Lonzo Ball

Matchup #3

Lonzo Ball vs. Chris Paul

This will be one of the best matchups to watch as you have the crafty veteran Chris Paul taking on the up-and-coming Lonzo Ball.

Lonzo Ball’s defense has been outstanding so far this season. He has bullied smaller guards, shown great footwork and been able to get into passing lanes for steals and deflections.

Lonzo is bigger but Chris Paul is still strong and knows how to use his body to keep defenders off of him. Lonzo needs to do what he did against Goran Dragic in the second half of the game against Miami, which is to move his feet, not reach and keep Paul in front of him.

Easier said than done, but keeping Chris Paul from getting wherever he wants is the key to stopping the Suns. If Paul is able to carve up the Pels’ perimeter defense and get into the lane, it is going to be a long night for the Pelicans.

If Lonzo can play Paul straight up and keep him out of the paint, it will allow the other Pelicans to stay at home and not collapse, making it harder on the Suns’ shooters.

This should be an exciting game between two teams who are trying to prove they belong in the playoff conversation in the Western Conference after narrowly missing last season.

The new players will be heavily involved in the outcome.