Allergic to defense
The 2-8 New Orleans Pelicans can cause headaches offensively, but as we’ve always mentioned, the inability to defend the opposition is killing them big time. They are top four in scoring, three-point field goals, and assists, only squash it all down by ranking at the bottom of points allowed, defensive rating, and almost every defense-related stat there is.
Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are day-to-day
The Pelicans’ leading scorer (25.9 PPG), rebounder (7.3 RPG), and even three-point shooter, Brandon Ingram, and second-leading assist man, Lonzo Ball (6.1 APG) are unsure to play due to injuries.
It’s as if the Pels need more problems, right?
If Ingram and/or Ball are unable to go, we should see their veteran point guard, Jrue Holiday, get more opportunities to score and facilitate. Do note, however, that although he’s averaging decent numbers of 14.6 points and a team-leading 7.3 assists per game on the season, he’s shooting a career-low 36.4% from the floor.
The iffy Clippers
The 7-4 LA Clippers will enter the game on the heels of a 102-93 loss to the Houston Rockets. They struggled on both ends of the floor, as the defense gave up 47 points to James Harden and the offense shot below 39% for the second-straight game.
Kawhi’s load management
Adding to all concern is that Friday’s game is on the second night of a back-to-back, so along with fatigue is the big possibility that Kawhi Leonard will sit out. He logged in a season-high 41 minutes against the Rockets.
If Kawhi decides to rest, Lou Williams (22 PPG, 5.9 APG) and Montrezl Harrell (18.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG) will again assume a larger role. Lookout for JaMychal Green as well. The sixth-year forward has three straight games with double-digit rebounds and back-to-back double-doubles.
PREDICTION:
The Clippers win a close one courtesy of Lou Williams. Sweet Lou is instant offense every night and he should be able to ease past the Pelicans defense.
