"I'm actually gonna go with the New Orleans Pelicans... Zion Williamson — for the last 2 months — is playing the best basketball of the season... Nuggets are still the favorites." JJ Redick on who he thinks has the best chance to go to the NBA Finals 🗣
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets Preview: Pelicans look to extend streak
NBATuesday, 19 March 2024 at 16:36
The surging New Orleans Pelicans are set to hit the road and face off against the struggling Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Riding high on their recent hot streak, the Pelicans aim to maintain their unbeaten record against the Nets, who are desperate to turn their fortunes around.
New Orleans has been on a tear since the beginning of the month, displaying a remarkable level of execution, poise, and chemistry under the guidance of coach Willie Green. Led by the formidable Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have demonstrated a sense of urgency as they chase down the fourth spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. A victory against the Nets would edge them closer to their postseason aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Nets find themselves in the midst of a three-game losing streak, having endured a challenging 1-5 stretch during a grueling road trip. With injuries hampering their roster, Kevin Ollie's squad faces an uphill battle as they attempt to regroup and mount a challenge against the streaking Pelicans.
Starting Lineups:
New Orleans Pelicans:
- PF: Zion Williamson
- SF: Brandon Ingram
- C: Jonas Valanciunas
- SG: CJ McCollum
- F: Herb Jones
Coach Willie Green has often opted for a small lineup, typically substituting Jonas Valanciunas with Trey Murphy III around the sixth minute mark of the first quarter to create more spacing for Williamson. Expect Green to stick to this pattern and make further rotations based on the flow of the game.
Brooklyn Nets:
- SF: Cam Johnson
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- C: Nic Claxton
- PG: Dennis Schroder
- PG: Cam Thomas
The injury-riddled Nets will need to get creative with their rotations, with Kevin Ollie likely making adjustments based on foul trouble or player performance. Lonnie Walker IV could provide additional balance and size in the backcourt if needed.
Despite the Nets' offensive firepower, the Pelicans are favored to continue their impressive run, with Zion Williamson expected to lead the charge once again. However, Cam Thomas poses a threat for the Nets, although he may find it challenging against the Pelicans' stout defense.
Prediction:
The New Orleans Pelicans' cohesive play and Zion Williamson's stellar performances make them the favorites against the injury-plagued Brooklyn Nets. With the Pelicans playing with superb chemistry and momentum, they are likely to cover the +7.5 spread and secure another victory on the road.
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