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’ Playbook: Three Essential Strategies Post-Zion’s Return
Photo by Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
With Zion Williamson back in action, the New Orleans Pelicans face a critical juncture that demands strategic adjustments. As we look ahead, three key areas emerge as focal points for the team’s success.
First and foremost, increasing three-point attempts is paramount. While the magic number of 40 threes per game might be ambitious, especially with Zion’s high usage rate, aiming for 37-38 attempts is a realistic goal. This adjustment isn’t just about padding stats; it’s about creating space for Zion and punishing teams that double-team him. Players like Dejounte Murray and C.J. McCollum need to step up their long-range game, while others like Herb Jones must overcome hesitation and take open shots.
The Pelicans’ center rotation alongside Zion is another crucial area to address. Yves Missi has shown promise but is hitting the rookie wall. Now is the time to experiment with different big man pairings to find the ideal complement to Zion’s game. Whether it’s a rim-protecting big, a vertical spacing lob threat, or a stretch five, these remaining games are invaluable for gathering data to inform offseason decisions.
Lastly, prioritizing youth development is essential. With playoff hopes dwindling, giving significant minutes to young talents like Jordan Hawkins becomes imperative. This shift isn’t about tanking; it’s about building for the future and evaluating long-term pieces. Balancing veteran presence with youth development will be a delicate but necessary task for the coaching staff.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ strategies, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Roster moves: Waiving Trey Jemison III and signing Keon Brooks Jr.
• The importance of offensive rebounding in the Pelicans’ game plan
• Potential lineup changes and their impact on team dynamics
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Analysis To make the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Pelicans need to focus on consistent performance and strategic acquisitions. This analysis breaks down the necessary steps for the team to achieve postseason success. (Pelican Debrief)
Ranking The Pelicans’ position in the NBA Power Rankings reflects their current struggles and the need for improvement. This analysis places them among teams needing significant changes before the trade deadline. Read more. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The New Orleans Pelicans will go up against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
New Orleans Pelicans’ accountability: Is firing Willie Green enough? The New Orleans Pelicans face a critical juncture after a crushing 119-100 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. With fans growing restless, the team’s future hangs in the balance.
Zion Williamson looks GOOD in return from injury but can New Orleans Pelicans trust his health? Zion Williamson looked GOOD in his return from a hamstring injury for the New Orleans Pelicans. After a two-month injury hiatus, Williamson’s impressive performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves has fans buzzing about the Pelicans’ potential resurgence.
When to expect Zion Williamson to play for New Orleans Pelicans after latest injury update Zion Williamson’s potential return could be the game-changer the New Orleans Pelicans need. With the NBA buzzing about possible trades involving Jimmy Butler, the Pelicans’ strategy is under the spotlight.
