New Orleans Pelicans: 4 questions before game vs. Chicago Bulls
The New Orleans Pelicans will be looking for their first win of the season tonight in Chicago against the Bulls after dropping the home opener to the 76ers.
There were some positives in the opening night loss, though also some negatives, as Josh Hart was injured and is questionable against the Bulls.
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Zion Williamson is still out, so the Pelicans will be shorthanded as they try to shut down Lonzo Ball and the new look Bulls.
Here are four questions I have heading into the game.
Question 1: Who is going to defend Zach LaVine?
LaVine got off to a great start, dropping 34 points in the Bulls first game of the season against the Detroit Pistons.
The Bulls shot poorly as a team but LaVine got hot and was able to carry the offense. Josh Hart got the start vs. the 76ers and might have gotten the duties on LaVine tonight, but with him out, someone else is going to have to step up.
The Pelicans could go with the rookie Trey Murphy III, who didn’t get a lot of run in the first game, but stopping LaVine is a tall task for a first-year guy. Naji Marshall could get the call if the Pels want to go with a “jumbo” starting five, which is something I think they should tinker with. Nickeil Alexander-Walker will almost certainly spend some time on LaVine as well.
The Pels will probably throw a lot of guys at LaVine before the night is over, but Marshall may be the best option because of his size. LaVine presents a matchup problem for coach Willie Green, who is getting tested early.