New Orleans Pelicans: 3 things we’d like to see in rematch vs. Utah Jazz
The New Orleans Pelicans did not look good against the Utah Jazz on either end of the floor in their most recent game.
They will get a chance to redeem themselves in the same arena where they just got smoked a night ago but it won’t be easy.
light. Related Story. Grades for blowout loss to the Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, winners of six in a row while the Pelicans have dropped six of their last seven, falling to 5-8 overall on the season.
The Pelicans need a win to try and keep pace in the Western Conference and to regain the confidence that seems to have disappeared.
Here are three things we’d love to see against the Utah Jazz, other than a win.
New Orleans Pelicans: Will Kira Lewis Jr. play?
No. 1: More Kira Lewis Jr.
The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled offensively lately and their offense went completely stagnant against the Jazz in the second half.
There was no motion in the offense, no ball movement and the Pelicans had no spark offensively as they got dismantled by the Jazz.
I thought Stan Van Gundy made a big mistake by not trying to inject some life into the offense with Kira Lewis Jr.
He has proven that he can penetrate and get shots for himself and teammates which is exactly what the Pels were missing. I would love to see him get run in this game.
No. 2: Lonzo Ball off the bench
Lonzo Ball did not look comfortable in the last game against Utah. He stood around the 3-point line, was not involved in the offense and basically contributed nothing.
The Pelicans need him to be good, which is why they should consider letting him play with a group of guys who better fit his skillset.
Lonzo should come off the bench for a few games to see if he can speed up the second unit and get himself going in the process.
Related Story. Why Lonzo Ball should run the bench. light
Playing with Zion Williamson, Josh Hart, JJ Redick and Jaxson Hayes will maximize Lonzo’s chances in transition, where he can be a weapon.
I would love to see Lonzo rejuvenate his season off the bench, as he is not thriving in his current role.
No. 3: Some defense
After looking like the defense had improved, the Pelicans have fallen apart in the last seven games, allowing an average of 116.5 per game.
This is pretty much a repeat from last season when the Pels had one of the worst defenses in the NBA.
Considering that the Pels have taken a step back offensively, they cannot keep playing poor defense or they have no chance.
If this season is to turn around it has to start on the defensive end.
The New Orleans Pelicans are at risk of falling into a hole they won’t be able to climb out of. They need a boost offensively that Kira Lewis and Lonzo Ball could provide but they also need to step up the defense, which has been awful.
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