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.
Pelicans’ Crunch Time Struggles: A Deeper Look
Injuries are often the scapegoat for a team’s poor performance, but for the New Orleans Pelicans, their recent loss to the Brooklyn Nets can’t be pinned solely on missing players. Despite a slew of injuries, the Pelicans were in a position to win, leading with just over three minutes left in the game. However, their inability to score in those crucial moments led to their fifth consecutive defeat.
Crunch Time Woes
The Pelicans’ offensive execution in the final minutes was lackluster, to say the least. They went 0 for 8 from the field, failing to capitalize on their lead. This isn’t just about missing shots; it’s about the absence of a coherent game plan. The team looked disorganized, a recurring issue that has plagued them since the start of the season. Head Coach Willie Green’s post-game comments about execution raise the question: what exactly were they trying to execute?
The shot selection was questionable, with Brandon Ingram often forced into contested mid-range jumpers. The lack of offensive actions and poor play-calling during timeouts were glaring. Even with multiple opportunities to regroup and strategize, the Pelicans failed to generate quality looks. This isn’t just a one-off issue; it’s a pattern that has persisted over the past few seasons.
Trey Murphy’s Return and Usage
Trey Murphy’s return was a bright spot, but his utilization was puzzling. Despite being a known threat, the Pelicans didn’t run plays to free him up for shots. The Brooklyn Nets effectively limited his airspace, but the Pelicans didn’t counter with creative play-calling. Murphy took only six three-point attempts, a number that should have been higher given his shooting prowess.
The Pelicans have previously shown they can adapt, as seen with Jordan Hawkins, who was effectively used despite defensive pressure. The same approach should have been applied to Murphy. Instead, the team seemed to lack a plan to leverage his skills, a missed opportunity in a game that was within their grasp.
The Pelicans’ struggles in crunch time and their failure to adapt offensively are issues that need addressing. While injuries play a role, the team’s inability to execute under pressure is a significant concern. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ challenges, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
The second annual NBA In-Season Tournament/much catchier ‘NBA Cup’ begins tonight, kicking off roughly a month of tournament games that fall on Tuesdays and Fridays. Then, we get into the quarterfinals and conference semifinals, the rules of which I am still not 100% clear on and am not ashamed to admit.
The newness of the Cup is what makes people skeptical of it. It’s what made me skeptical of it last season. It’s difficult to introduce new things into competitive ecosystems that seem largely “set”, which is why it happens rarely. My skepticism of the tournament came from the need to gameify what is already a game, but then I thought about how often the “product” of the NBA (e.g. basketball) gets complained about and realized the league was trying something. Trying something different versus just complaining about what already exists for the sake of griping is also rare.
Part of the fun of the tournament in its current, very green iteration, is its messiness. Last season, athletes were clear about how they, too, were stumped on the rules. How did the point system work? What were the knockout rules? Why were the custom courts so garish? But for the most part, players leaned into it. Did the Lakers lean a little too hard into it by hanging the In-Season Tournament banner in the rafters? Absolutely. But these are Tuesday night games in November — nothing about them should be sacrosanct.
A genuine lift I noticed and liked about last season’s tournament, and my real point of defense, is how these games operated as additional runway for a handful of teams on the verge. The In-Season Tournament was where we started to see the Pacers flourish and use the breakneck speed that went on to become a critical component of their entirely unique offense. The Pelicans also treated the tournament as something different, approaching the games like an escape from the early season injury woes that derailed them (unfortunately in a very cruel deja vu, we’re seeing the same thing this season). There’s going to be more emerging teams and play styles showing themselves this time around.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Injury The NBA has a ‘missing stars’ problem with injuries piling up faster than normal. (Yahoo! Sports)
Rumor Did Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fake handshake prank launch a new NBA rivalry?
Preview The tiny town and legendary 1980s NBA team that built NBA Draft phenom Cooper Flagg (ESPN)
Analysis The Dejounte Murray contract could be a saving grace for the Pelicans, offering them a valuable asset amid a challenging financial landscape. (Pelican Debrief) [Date not provided]
Biz The new CBA’s second apron might have a devastating effect on the Pelicans, restricting their financial flexibility and ability to build a competitive roster. (Pelican Debrief) [Date not provided]
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Recap
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center.|Photo by Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action featured five games, each packed with performances and injury updates that could reshape your fantasy basketball strategy.
Injury Updates Affecting Lineups
Damian Lillard’s entry into concussion protocol means he’ll miss Tuesday’s game, with a slim chance of returning by Wednesday. This quick turnaround is unusual, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Gary Trent Jr. is still dealing with back spasms, and despite his fantasy position eligibility, he’s not a point guard, averaging only two assists per game. The Milwaukee Bucks are experimenting with their lineup, with Pat Connaughton and Ryan Rollins as potential backup point guards. Giannis Antetokounmpo can handle point guard duties, but he needs support, especially with Khris Middleton unavailable.
Zion Williamson’s injury update is a blow to fantasy managers. He’s expected to be out for four to six weeks, longer than initially anticipated. If you have an IR spot, hold onto him, but be prepared for a potentially extended absence. Malik Monk’s ankle injury will keep him out for at least two weeks, affecting the Sacramento Kings’ lineup. Kevin Huerter and Keon Ellis could see increased value in the short term.
Game Highlights and Player Performances
The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a surprising 116-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer, delivering a stellar 34 points and 14 rebounds, solidifying his status as a top fantasy player. De’Aaron Fox’s assist numbers are concerning, especially with DeMar DeRozan’s arrival affecting his role. DeRozan’s on-court fit with the Kings remains a question mark. Kevin Huerter’s inconsistency continues, and while he had a hot streak, his recent performance was lacklustre. Keegan Murray’s struggles are evident, and I don’t see him breaking into the top 75 players this season.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
Zion Williamson’s injury: What it means for New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson’s injury woes continue to plague the New Orleans Pelicans, as the star player faces an indefinite absence due to a left hamstring strain. With the Pelicans struggling offensively, ranking 24th in offense and 30th in defense, can they overcome these challenges in the competitive NBA landscape?
How the New Orleans Pelicans can make the most of Brandon Boston Jr and Yves Missi Can the New Orleans Pelicans Overcome Their Offensive Woes? Injuries have plagued the New Orleans Pelicans, impacting their ability to execute a fast-paced offense akin to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With key players like Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones sidelined, the Pelicans struggle to find their rhythm.
Zion Williamson shines, but New Orleans Pelicans’ defense falters in loss to Cleveland Cavaliers Zion Williamson’s triumphant return to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup is a game-changer. Despite a scare with a left thigh strain, Zion dazzled with 29 points, showcasing his resilience and skill. Can the Pelicans capitalize on this momentum in the NBA?
