New Orleans Pelicans: 3 matchups that will decide the game vs. Pacers

The New Orleans Pelicans will have some tough matchups vs. the Indiana Pacers.

The New Orleans Pelicans are fresh off a big win over the Toronto Raptors but may have an even tougher task against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers feature six guards in their 10-man rotation and often run small lineups that could create some matchup problems for the Pelicans.

Of course, the Pels will have their advantages as well, which should make for an interesting clash of styles with the Indiana Pacers.

Here are the three matchups that will decide the game.

New Orleans Pelicans: Steven Adams needs to dominate Myles Turner

Steven Adams vs. Myles Turner

This is a matchup I’ve personally been looking forward to since the Pels acquired Steven Adams in the offseason.

There is a VERY vocal segment of Pelicans’ twitter that spent said offseason preaching the gospel of Myles Turner and his mythical floor spacing.

There are some who believe that Zion Williamson can’t flourish unless he is surrounded by four 3-point shooters and that rebounding and defense don’t matter.

Adams has stepped on the neck of that narrative and been one of the most important Pelicans thus far and one of the best additions for any team.

Turner is good shot blocker and will try to pull Adams away from the hoop, where he dominates on both ends. Turner is shooting just 22 percent from long range this season, so Adams will probably be tempted to let him fire away until he proves he can make one.

The real test for Turner will be trying to defend the pick-and-roll, as Adams sets screens that could clear out a mob and Brandon Ingram can hit mid-range shots all night.

Nothing against Turner, but I hope Adams dominates him so that I can quit hearing about what a great stretch-five he would be next to Zion.