New Orleans Pelicans fans, buckle up! The preseason opener against the Orlando Magic is set for Monday (12:30 p.m., Pelicans.com, WWL 870 AM), but don’t expect to see the stars for too long. Head coach Willie Green made it clear that the team’s top players will hit the court—but only for around 20 minutes.
Are the Pelicans Ready for the Magic’s Defensive Onslaught?
“More than likely, it will be 20 minutes or less,” Green said on Saturday, emphasizing that this is a cautious start for the Pelicans’ heavy hitters.
The starting lineup for Monday remains a mystery, as Green hasn’t committed to a specific unit. But fans should temper their expectations. Monday’s starters may not necessarily reflect the team’s regular season lineup, especially with Trey Murphy sidelined for the entire four-game preseason due to a hamstring injury. The Pelicans, however, have plenty of flexibility to experiment with different combinations.
In an intriguing twist, Green hinted at the team’s potential use of position-less basketball, a strategy that could change the Pelicans’ dynamic. “We might go position-less,” Green teased, explaining that the team could field versatile guards and wings capable of handling the ball and defending multiple positions. This could be the future for the Pelicans—an unpredictable, fluid lineup designed to catch opponents off guard.
With the Orlando Magic ranking among the NBA’s top defensive and rebounding teams last season, New Orleans faces a tough challenge. The Magic ranked third in defense and fourth in rebounding in 2023-24, making them a formidable preseason opponent.
Pelicans fans will also get their first glimpse of offseason acquisition Dejounte Murray, who will pair with veteran CJ McCollum in the backcourt. Green is already thrilled with their potential. “Dangerous for other teams,” he said, noting how seamlessly the duo has played together in practice.
The Pelicans are stacked with talent, including Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Daniel Theis. Green admits there’s still work to be done, but the chemistry is building, and the Pelicans’ future looks bright.
The Pelicans are taking a cautious yet strategic approach to the preseason, keeping their stars fresh while experimenting with position-less basketball. With Murray and McCollum’s partnership already making waves, the Pelicans could surprise many this season. However, their ability to gel as a unit will be critical, especially against top-tier defensive teams like Orlando.
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