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 Squander Best Performance in Weeks Against Clippers
Photo by Stephen Lew Imagn-Images
The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a heartbreaking 116-113 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, wasting what was arguably their best game in weeks. Despite a strong showing from key players, the Pelicans couldn’t close out the game, extending their losing streak to 10 games.
This loss stings particularly because the Pelicans had multiple opportunities to secure the win. They led by double digits at various points and showcased improved ball movement with 30 assists. The team also had their best three-point shooting performance of the season, going 18-for-37 from beyond the arc.
CJ McCollum led the charge with 33 points, while Trey Murphy III contributed 15 points in the first half. Rookie Yves Missi impressed with five blocks, nine rebounds, and four assists. Dejounte Murray added six steals to the defensive effort.
However, the Pelicans’ inability to maintain their momentum in crucial moments proved costly. They allowed the Clippers to chip away at their lead with mini-runs at the end of each quarter, keeping the game within reach.
The loss is particularly frustrating given the team’s current 5-28 record. While one win wouldn’t dramatically alter their season trajectory, it would have provided a much-needed morale boost for both the team and the fans. The Smoothie King Center crowd was energetic and engaged throughout the game, demonstrating their unwavering support despite the team’s struggles.
Trey Murphy’s Limited Second-Half Impact
A significant factor in the Pelicans’ collapse was the puzzling lack of involvement for Trey Murphy in the second half. After a strong first-half performance with 15 points, Murphy was limited to just two shot attempts and three points after halftime.
Head coach Willie Green attributed this to the Clippers’ defensive adjustments, stating that the attention on Murphy opened up opportunities for other players. While this strategy did lead to a productive night for CJ McCollum, it ultimately wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
The coaching staff’s inability to counter the Clippers’ adjustments and get Murphy more involved is concerning. As one of the team’s most promising young players, averaging over 20 points per game this season, finding ways to keep Murphy engaged throughout the game should be a priority.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ performance against the Clippers, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Defensive struggles against Norm Powell
• Yves Missi’s impressive rookie performance
• The impact of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram’s absence
The NBA’s next generation of stars is already here
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Isaiah Joe (11) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. | Kirby Lee/Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Here’s something that will read like a riddle: When do you know the future has arrived?
Fitting, on the eve of a new year, to have one foot in the future and one eye still cast over the shoulder, looking back at the past. I value New Year’s Eve for this liminal space it lends, the opportunity to pause and consider the year that was and the one to come without a sense yet of its pressures. In-between spaces like this are rare in life, and if or when you find them, are nice not to rush out of.
Basketball has its liminal spaces too, though they’re a bit more rare. The time right after the Draft, when the next season’s rookies-to-be have their teams but no hulking expectations. The brief stretch between the regular season and the playoffs is another — the brackets set, but no competition commenced. It’s easier to tell in these situations when the future arrives, when the liminal space shuts.
But back to the riddle. Under the surface of this season’s NBA discourse, there’s been a persistent hum. With the inevitable aging of the game’s superstars comes the question of who’s next?
What confuses me is that I’ve mainly seen it asked in worry and incredulity, the implication being that there’s no one obvious, or ready, to fill those well-worn shoes. All it takes is a cursory glance at the season’s standings, now firmly set as we shift past the quarter mark, to see that the future is here — and it’s been humming for a while now.
The top four teams in the East and West all boast talent, skill, and star-power. Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell and Karl-Anthony Towns are the most established in terms of their fan familiarity, but Darius Garland, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, and Jalen Green are already on their way to being as regularly recited — and that’s really it.
When the skill and flare of an NBA athlete proves to have staying power, to dazzle consistently, the rest comes down to name recognition, which comes through repetition.
We’ve been saying the same big names for a long time now. LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo — their names conjure stats and highlight reels in our heads.
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.
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Roundup: Morant’s Injury, Waiver Wire Trends, and Monday’s Game Recaps
Dec 27, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after a screen by New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (10) during the third quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton/Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
As we enter the final week of 2024 for fantasy basketball, there’s plenty to discuss. Let’s dive into the latest injury updates, waiver wire trends, and recap Monday’s action.
Ja Morant’s Injury Update
The Memphis Grizzlies received some concerning news about Ja Morant. He’s been diagnosed with a right AC joint sprain in the same shoulder that was reconstructed last season. The team is considering him week-to-week, which typically means a minimum absence of one week, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it stretches to two or three weeks.
The Grizzlies’ injury report is staggering. In addition to Morant, Marcus Smart is out for multiple weeks, Santi Aldama is week-to-week, and several others are sidelined. This situation could lead to increased opportunities for players like Scotty Pippen Jr. and John Konchar.
Waiver Wire Trends
Looking at the most added players over the last 48 hours, Scoot Henderson tops the list. With the Portland Trail Blazers dealing with injuries, Henderson could see increased minutes. However, I’m skeptical about consistent 30-minute outings for him.
Other notable additions include Scottie Pippen Jr., Justin Champagnie, and Keon Johnson. While Pippen seems like a clear add given the Grizzlies’ injury woes, I’m less convinced about Johnson’s role with the Brooklyn Nets.
On the drop list, Larry Nance Jr. leads the pack due to his broken hand. Brandin Podziemski and Royce O’Neale are also seeing significant drops, which aligns with my expectations.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
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