New Orleans Pelicans Game 1 Matchup Preview
The Pelicans’ NBA schedule begins with a tough matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
Big Three
All eyes will be on their respective Big Three’s, as the Nets will be throwing out Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons while the Pelicans throw out Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum.
KD is tough to stop, but if Zion can use his big frame to throw Durant off his rhythm and bully the Brooklyn Nets’ defense inside, the door is open for them to steal this game.
Matchup Information
2022 New Orleans Pelicans Schedule
The Pelicans will begin their season facing off against:
- Brooklyn Nets
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Dallas Mavericks
- Phoenix Suns
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Golden State Warriors
- Atlanta Hawks
- Indiana Pacers
That is a very tough group of opponents to start the season, but it’ll be a good opportunity for a young team to experience some growing pains and figure out how they can eventually get to the level where they want to be.
The New Orleans Pelicans odds to be a playoff team this season remain high, however, as the talent on their roster is just too good and will be able to take advantage of some of the easier games on their schedule as the season progresses.
New Orleans Pelicans Season Props
The Pelicans’ over/under win total is sitting at 44.5 wins, as that should have them right in the middle of the playoff picture in the NBA standings.
Lineup Breakdown
Zion Williamson should continue to post high-scoring totals while dominating inside the paint. His NBA player stats in rebounding and assists should also improve.
Brandon Ingram should also be relied upon heavily for scoring and being a secondary playmaker.
CJ McCollum will continue to be a steady presence as a scorer, but his assist numbers could see a rise as he takes on more of a playmaking role. Jonas Valanciunas should be counted on as a nightly double-double threat.
New Orleans Pelicans 2022 Season Odds
The Pelicans are expected to put up great NBA team stats, but the chemistry and continuity needs to develop for them to parlay this into an NBA championship.
Pelicans 2022 NBA Title Odds
New Orleans shouldn’t fully be expected to win an NBA championship just yet, as their young core is still figuring out how to play with one another and how they can live up to their fullest potential in the NBA.
However, Zion Williamson is a lot better than he’s made out to be. Once he improves his jumpshot and embraces being the guy who can push the ball up the floor, the Pelicans will be absolutely tough to stop.
With Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum on his side, this is a team to watch for years to come.
New Orleans Pelicans Playoff Odds
It’s pretty much a formality that the Pelicans get to at least the play-in game this upcoming season. However, will they just be a first-round exit again, or could they make some noise? Time will tell.
New Orleans Pelicans Southwest Division Odds
The Pelicans odds to win the Southwest Division aren’t the strongest, as they’ll have to compete with the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks, both teams expected to be in serious contention for the NBA Finals.
At the end of the day, though, if they stay healthier than their competition, there is a chance.
New Orleans Pelicans Western Conference Championship Odds
The New Orleans Pelicans have an outside chance to get to the NBA Finals, as they’ll have to go through a gauntlet of tougher, more experienced teams to get there.
They’ll have to go through the gauntlet of:
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Golden State Warriors
- Denver Nuggets
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Phoenix Suns
- Dallas Mavericks
To get out of the Wild Wild West. All told, don’t expect to see the Pelicans get to the Finals just yet, though it can happen in the future.
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