A BATTLE BETWEEN FORMER DUKIES

It’s a match-up of two young teams that are looking to make their mark, but the game’s main storyline is about the teams’ top-billed rookies – the New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson and the New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett.

As you may know, Williamson and Barrett, who were taken first and third overall in the recent NBA Draft, respectively, were former teammates at Duke University. The two formed an explosive duo at Duke, with Williamson showcasing insane athleticism and Barrett boasting an all-around offensive arsenal. The tandem instantly became must-see TV in college basketball as it was practically Batman AND Batman – both even ended the season averaging 22.6 points per game.

ZION IS KILLING IT

The Pelicans’ number one pick has lived up to the hype (so far). The stats are there, the highlights are most definitely there, and his instincts on both ends are looking good. Through four games, he’s putting up 23.2 points per game on 71.4%-shooting, which is also a big thanks to him constantly ramming defenders inside for a high-percentage shot.

RJ IS SETTELING IN MORE AND MORE

RJ isn’t killing it the way Zion is, but considering his teammates are mostly serviceable journeymen, he’s doing a fine job. He averaged 16 points and seven points per game in last week’s back-to-back against the Washington Wizards. The best part is him looking more relaxed than he did in the Summer League months back, where he was visibly trying to force things and ended up posting lowly shooting percentages and a plenty of turnovers.

DENNIS SMITH vs. LONZO BALL?

One subplot that can be alongside the marquee match-up is the clash of Dennis Smith and Lonzo Ball. The two do not have a history of feuding, scuffle, or anything like that, but the similarities on their young career’s trajectory are there.

Both were former heralded point guards that were picked high in the draft by a team that saw them as the “future” of the team – Smith with the Dallas Mavericks and Ball with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Both were then kicked to the curb and got packaged in a trade when their respective former teams decided to go all in on a star big man (Smith for Kristaps Porzingis, Ball for Anthony Davis).

PREDICTION:

Barrett will be decent, but the Pelicans earn the win as we witness yet another highlight-filled game from Williamson.