New Orleans Pelicans: 4 storylines to watch against the Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Bucks: Battle of the snubbed wings
Brandon Ingram and Khris Middleton should both go into Thursday’s contest with a chip on their shoulders.
It would not be unreasonable for the Pelicans’ and the Bucks’ respective franchise wings to feel slighted after being left out of this year’s all-star game. Ingram started the season by putting up MVP-level performances and, in truth, it’s not like he has fizzled out. His performances have been eclipsed by Zion Williamson’s generational talent, but Ingram is still putting up 24 points per game on better efficiency than last year, getting more assists while turning the ball over less, and shooting a smidge under 40 percent from beyond the arc.
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On the other side, Middleton might be asking himself why the likes of Jayson Tatum were picked over him. Without meaning to disrespect the Celtics’ star forward, Middleton’s Bucks have a much better record than Boston, and the Milwaukee wing is essentially having a 50–40–90 season.
Tatum might score six more points a night, but he also attempts six more field goals than Middleton on worse efficiency. Middleton has been better than last season when he was rewarded with his second all-star selection. Ditto for Ingram, who must share his Bucks counterpart’s concerns.
However, the Pels have to ensure that their game against the Bucks does not devolve into a shootout between Ingram and Middleton.
I think that’s unlikely to happen on the Milwaukee side. Middleton should probably be taking even more shots and get more time running the pick-and-roll. He is a definite second to Giannis Antetokounmpo, even if a different offensive look could give the Bucks the boost they need when the playoffs come around.
Yet, this situation is possible from the Pelicans’ point of view. Ingram has played really well all season, but he has a tendency and has been given the green light to look for his own shot. When the ball sticks to Ingram’s hands, that’s probably when the Pelicans are at their worse. The offense will largely run through Ingram and Zion Williamson, but there needs to be movement and quick actions. Pounding the ball will not help the Pels beat the Bucks for the second time this season.