New Orleans Pelicans: 3 storylines to watch against the Utah Jazz
New Orleans Pelicans: Utah’s dangerous second unit
The benches could end up being the determining factor in Monday night’s game.
The Utah Jazz currently have the third highest-scoring second unit in the NBA. Their rotation players help buoy the efficiency of the starters. Although Quin Synder doesn’t go particularly deep into his bench, he is armed with weapons that can make a real difference.
We don’t have to look any further than Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is probably the leader for Sixth Man of the Year right now. His production off the bench is an instant boon for the Jazz. Clarkson is scoring about 18 points per game coming off the bench, which is in line with what he scored against the Pelicans earlier this season. His efficiency has gone up, as have his three-pointers.
Why wasn't Brandon Ingram an all-star?. light. Related Story
The former Laker is the type of sparkplug player any NBA organization wants. Clarkson is on his way to taking Lou Williams’ mantle in this role. He was more of a trigger-happy guard when he first entered the league, but has truly settled in Salt Lake City.
Joe Ingles is the Snyder’s other solid presence off the bench. The Jazz gave the Australian a chance when no one in the NBA thought much of him and he has more than paid them back.
Ingles is extremely reliable and versatile. He can shoot and playmake while also competing defensively even though he always gives up at least a modicum of athleticism. Ingles is arguably having his best season to date, scoring about 12 points per game and shooting lights out from every area of the floor.
The New Orleans Pelicans can also expect to see some minutes from Georges Niang, former Pelican Derrick Favors, and perhaps second-year wing Miye Oni. Pels fans know what Favors brings to the table, while Niang mostly provides more spacing for the Jazz. Oni’s time on the court has ebbed and flowed, but he can shoot it from deep and is blessed with great length.