New Orleans Pelicans: 3 keys in rematch vs. Toronto Raptors

New Orleans Pelicans: Bench needs to play better

The Bench Void

J.J. Redick went 6-of-11 from 3-point range in the first meeting with the Raptors, but since the bench has disappeared into a black hole.

Redick has hit three shots since and is now shooting just 28.6 percent from 3-point range on the season.

But it’s not just Redick. Nicolo Melli and Jaxson Hayes have been bad. Really bad. Like, how in the world did David Griffin ever think they were rotation players bad.

The Pels will obviously need Redick to get on track and I am sure that he will but he can’t be the only one.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker made his case against the Thunder, scoring 14 points in 19 minutes and looking good in the process.

Stan Van Gundy is going to have to get creative and find some combination of players that works, even if it means running lineups with four guards.

At this point, NAW defending centers is better than playing Hayes or Melli, so we could see some wonky lineups against the Raptors.

The New Orleans Pelicans will need another inspired defensive effort against the Raptors, especially if they can’t get Zion or the bench going.