Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m ET
Where: Smoothie King Center
How to watch: TNT
While the New Orleans Pelicans obviously still aren’t at full strength (come back soon Zion), they are nearing something close to full strength, While Derrick Favors (personal reasons) and Kenrich Williams (ankle) both remain out, the team has welcomed back the former Lakers into the fold and appear to be closing in on full strength once again.
However, this comes at a point when New Orleans is stuck in its worst rut of the season. Sunday’s loss to the Thunder was the fifth straight loss and second-in-a-row against Oklahoma City.
The struggles continue to come in close games against New Orleans. The Pelicans have played in 45 minutes that the NBA deems as “clutch” minutes, tied for sixth-most in the league. In clutch situations, New Orleans’ net rating of -35.2 ranks 28th with only the Spurs and Warriors worse this season, both in fewer minutes.
They’re also shooting 28.8 percent from the field in those minutes, ranking them 29th in the league. Going hand-in-hand with that, the Pelicans rank 30th in offensive rating in the clutch.
All those struggles heading into Tuesday’s game don’t even address the fact they’ll be going up against one of the best players in the game currently in Luka Doncic. In his sophomore campaign, Doncic is putting up MVP-caliber averages at 30.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists and has the Mavericks at 13-6 and in the top four in the Western Conference.
It all sets up for a particularly interesting night on national television for the Pelicans that could either be the start of a winning streak with a healthier roster or the continuing of recent struggles.
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