Jake Madison here, the host of the daily Locked On Pelicans podcast, with your daily Locked On Pelicans newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pelicans and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Zion Williamson’s Impactful Return: A Game Changer for the Pelicans
Photo by Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Zion Williamson’s return to the court has been nothing short of transformative for the New Orleans Pelicans. After a series of leg injuries, Williamson made a powerful comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his undeniable influence on the game. Despite the Pelicans’ 131-122 loss, Williamson’s performance was a beacon of hope, scoring 29 points on 18 shots, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out four assists. His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws—11 out of 13 attempts—underscored his critical role in the team’s dynamics.
The game wasn’t without its tense moments. Williamson’s brief exit in the second quarter due to a left thigh strain raised concerns, especially given his recent injury history. However, his return to finish the game was reassuring, suggesting that holding him out the other night might have been a precautionary measure rather than a serious setback. His presence on the court is a game-changer, as evidenced by the Pelicans’ ability to lead against a formidable Cavaliers team, even if only for parts of the game.
The Small Ball Debate
The Pelicans’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers highlighted the ongoing debate about their small ball strategy. With key players like C.J. McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones sidelined, the team has been forced to rely on its depth. While players like Jose Alvarado shone with 27 points, the absence of a traditional center in the closing lineup raised eyebrows. Javonte Green found himself matched against bigger opponents like Jared Allen and Evan Mobley, which seemed a mismatch on paper.
Yves Missi had a solid performance with 10 points, three blocks, and four rebounds, but his defensive struggles in complex plays were evident. The Cavaliers exploited this by putting him in challenging situations, which led to questions about whether he should have been on the floor during critical moments. While some argue that Missi’s presence could have altered the game’s outcome, the Pelicans’ decision to stick with small ball was aimed at maximizing offensive opportunities for Williamson.
The small ball approach, however, requires a commitment to playing with pace and generating three-point opportunities. In the fourth quarter, the Pelicans fell short in this regard, with only Alvarado and Brandon Boston Jr. attempting threes. If the team is to continue with this strategy, they must fully embrace its strengths, such as early offense and spacing, to offset the defensive vulnerabilities it creates.
Offensive Bright Spots
Despite the loss, the Pelicans’ offensive performance against one of the league’s top defenses was impressive. They achieved an offensive rating of 125.8, which would rank second in the league. This was achieved even with Brandon Ingram having an off night from beyond the arc. The team’s ability to adapt and find offensive rhythm, even with key players missing, is a testament to their potential.
The Pelicans are showing signs of putting things together, and with Williamson back, the team looks poised to make strides. The key will be maintaining this offensive momentum while addressing defensive lapses, particularly in guarding against dribble penetration and backdoor cuts.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Zion Williamson’s impact and the Pelicans’ strategies, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Trade The New Orleans Pelicans are rumored to be targeting Brook Lopez from the Bucks to strengthen their roster. (Sporting News)
Injury In a recent update, the Pelicans confirmed that Zion Williamson will be sidelined due to a minor foot injury. (NOLA.com)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
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Zion Williamson’s injury mystery: What’s really happening with the New Orleans Pelicans? Is something strange happening with Zion Williamson’s injury? The New Orleans Pelicans face a puzzling situation as conflicting reports about Zion’s condition raise eyebrows. Host Jake Madison dives into the Pelicans’ injury woes, discussing the impact on key players like Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and C.J. McCollum.
How Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Willie Green got the New Orleans Pelicans back on track Can the New Orleans Pelicans sustain their recent surge in performance? With strong games against the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks, the Pelicans seem back on track. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are leading the charge, showcasing their star power with impressive stats and teamwork.
Willie Green’s critical moment: Can the New Orleans Pelicans turn it around? The New Orleans Pelicans face a critical stretch as they navigate a challenging four-game homestand. With key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram on the court, the team has yet to meet expectations.
