The New Orleans Pelicans can inject some life into their season with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pelicans finally ended their losing streak against the Washington Wizards but beating a bad, shorthanded team is not going to do much for the Pels’ confidence.
Beating the Milwaukee Bucks? That is a different story.
This is the type of game that could turn the Pelicans’ season around if they can get a win, build some confidence and start rolling on this six-game homestand.
Here are three things to look for.
New Orleans Pelicans: Will Lonzo Ball play against the Bucks?
Lonzo Ball is listed as day-to-day after suffering an ankle injury late in the first half against the Wizards.
This is too bad, as Lonzo was having one of his best games of the season, had hit a few shots, was moving the ball well and playing solid defense on Bradley Beal.
Once Lonzo Ball left the game, the perimeter defense suffered, so they will need him tonight against the Bucks, who feature a couple of pretty good perimeter players in Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
The Pelicans not only need Lonzo Ball’s defense but they need him to keep the offense playing fast. His status will be key to the game.
New Orleans Pelicans: Steven Adams and Zion Williamson need to rebound
Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 11 rebounds per game, and his defensive rebounding is a big part of how the Bucks close out possessions and don’t allow second chances.
The Bucks and Pelicans are 3rd and 4th in the NBA in rebounding, respectively, so this battle may determine the outcome.
The two are 7th (Bucks) and 8th (Pels) in offensive rebounding, so the team that keeps the other from getting second chances will have the best opportunity to win the game.
If Adams, who had six offensive rebounds vs. the Wizards, can give the Pelicans extra shots, they will have a much better chance.
New Orleans Pelicans: Points in the paint allowed
Both teams’ defenses are built around stopping points in the paint and they have been effective.
The Bucks are #2 in the NBA in points in the paint allowed and the Pelicans are #4, so this will be another battle to watch.
Both teams are willing to let their opponents take 3-point shots vs. easy ones in the paint, so the team that makes some outside shots and keeps the other from getting easy ones will probably win.
The Pels have been awful from 3-point range this season, which is one reason they are big underdogs against the Bucks, who make you earn it on the interior.
This will be a tough game for the New Orleans Pelicans, but a win against a quality team like the Bucks could be the thing that turns this season around.