New Orleans Pelicans: 3 things to watch in final stand vs. Spurs

The New Orleans Pelicans are clinging to their dying playoff hopes entering a must-win game against the San Antonio Spurs tonight at Smoothie King Center.

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are leading the Pels through a tough stretch that has seen the team hit with the injury bug, failing to execute basic plays at times and blowing double-digit leads.

But the Pels still have a chance, as they are 3.5 games behind both San Antonio and Golden State for the 10th and final play-in spot.

It’s still a longshot but with one game left against the Spurs and three left against the Warriors, the Pelicans will at least get to play some meaningful games.

Here are three things to watch when the Pelicans take on the Spurs.

New Orleans Pelicans: How will the young players respond?

I wrote yesterday that the mere possibility of the play-in games will benefit the New Orleans Pelicans.

Even if they don’t ultimately make it, their young guys are getting some reps in high-pressure games that have some meaning, which is better than if they were tanking for draft position.

It will be interesting to see how the New Orleans Pelicans respond to this pressure, as this will arguably be their biggest game since last year’s bubble.

The Pels fell apart in the Orlando bubble in disappointing fashion last season, not playing close to their potential. The late-season play of Lonzo Ball was particularly concerning, which is why it would be nice to see him come out, seize the moment and have a big game against the Spurs.

This game will have a bit of a playoff atmosphere, as both teams are trying to claw their way into the playoffs and have something to play for.

This will be a good test for the New Orleans Pelicans. But who will be playing?