Disappearing Act: Pelicans Hope to Stop Slide with Win Over Magic
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans will close out the month of February tonight by hosting the Orlando Magic.
February has been a month to forget for the Pels, who have a 4-5 record heading into their second matchup with Orlando. The Magic beat the Pelicans handily down in South Florida, winning 123-110 just over a month ago.
Making matters worse, the Pelicans have lost five straight games at the Smoothie King Center to the Magic. No one on the current roster was on the team the last time they tasted victory during the 2016-17 season.
Jan 20, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans have also lost three in row, dating back to their loss to the Lakers just prior to the All-Star break.
Tonight's game is critical, as New Orleans has dropped to 10th place in the Western Conference standings with 21 games to play.
However, the weight of the game hasn't had much impact on the Pelicans lately. No matter who the opponent has been.
Their loss to the Knicks on Saturday may have been the team's most disappointing effort of the season.
In the aftermath there has been talk of team meetings, and accountability.
Following today's shootaround, CJ McCollum said, "I understand what's at stake for us, and what's at stake for seeding...how these next few games are going to define our season.
He's absolutely correct in his assessment. The Pelicans' season will be defined by what happens over the next two weeks.
After Orlando, the Pelicans head back on the road to face Dame Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers, followed by the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings before coming home to take on the Dallas Mavericks. New Orleans has to win two of those four, starting with tonight.
For the Pels, it's no longer about execution or strategy. They have to find the competitive edge and esprit de corps that they played with to start the season.
The question is whether or not there is enough time or collective will to do so.
The keys to victory are simple and they don't change based on the opponent.
Ball movement, player movement, shot selection, ball security, playing with pace, and feeding the post are all necessary for the Pelicans to provide some semblance of rhythm to the offense.
On defense, the Pelicans have to play with physicality. It has become a common refrain from coach Willie Green...the Pels have to make teams "feel" them defensively. That extends to stopping penetration from opposing guards, boxing out, and creating turnovers.
And, of course, the Pelicans need their stars to play like stars on both ends.
Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have to be more efficient. Jonas Valanciunas has to get touches. Trey Murphy III has to become a multi-level score and be more aggressive in calling for the basketball.
A simple game has become very complicated. It's time for the Pelicans to get back to basics.
New Orleans Pelicans (30-31) vs Orland Magic (25-36)
Time: 7:00 PM CST
Location: Smoothie King Center
Watch: Bally Sports NO
Listen: WRNO 99.5FM
Read More Pelicans Scoop Articles:
- Pelicans vs. Magic Game Preview With The Magic Insider
- Pelicans Suffer Blowout Loss To Knicks
- Pelicans Take On Josh Hart Again With Knicks
- CJ McCollum Career At A Crossroads
- Pelicans Face a Close, Wild Finish in the NBA West
- Handicapping the Playoff Race
- NBA Championship Formula Revisited
- Willie Green's Rotations Need More Time To Build Rhythm
- Pelicans Have 25 Games to Save Season
- Struggle Is Real For Pelicans Post All-Star Break
