Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram when LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets come to town. What adjustments will Willie Green make and will they help the team get back into the win column?

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview

When: March 11, 2022 @ 7 pm CST
Where: Smoothie King Center New Orleans, LA
How To Watch/Listen: Bally Sports NO, ESPN 100.3FM New Orleans

The New Orleans Pelicans (27-39, 10th in the Western Conference) will be without two of their best players when they host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (32-35) on March 11 at 7 p.m. CST in the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans has lost three straight after winning the first four games following the NBA’s All-Star Game break. The Pelicans will look to break that losing streak and keep their place as the 10th seed in the West without the help of CJ McCollum (health and safety protocols) or Brandon Ingram (right hamstring).

The Hornets are also looking to keep pace in the race for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte is currently 9th in the East, just one game ahead of the Atlanta Hawks. LaMelo Ball has led the Hornets to the 4th best points per game average in the NBA but the defense is second-to-last in that same category.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans will be without their two best scorers. To make things worse, McCollum and Ingram are also the best ball-handlers on the team. Jonas Valancuinas is a low-post presence but he cannot initiate the offense consistently. Charlotte might press more than usual to add to their 583 steals this season, 5th best in the NBA.

Devonte Graham has done well in the sixth-man role but he will be asked to again lead the starting unit until McCollum returns. Graham is just an average defender at best and was hesitant as the lead guard before the McCollum trade. His offensive efficiency was suffering but coach Willie Green is having his hand forced as the injury report grows longer.

The Pelicans open as 1.5 point home underdogs according to the SI Sportsbook. The line could be considered flattering to New Orleans, especially considering the injury report. The Hornets have won more road games (16) than the Pelicans have at home (15).

If ever there were a game to try something unusual with the starting lineup, this would be the game. Green will likely have Graham starting the game with Jose Alvarado leading the reserves. However, a switch from Tony Snell to Trey Murphy could pay off in the long run. Murphy could use the experience and a boost to his confidence while Snell hunts for mismatches as the first player off the bench.

It's a tough spot for a first-year head coach but Green will have to find some way to patch up the rotations until McCollum, Ingram, and possibly even Zion Williamson return.

Expected Starting Lineups:

New Orleans Pelicans: Devonte’ Graham, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Jonas Valanciunas

Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington, Mason Plumlee