Pelicans Hit Hard by Injuries, Magic Looks to Adjust Without Paolo Banchero
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic: Key Injuries Impact Both Teams in Friday’s Showdown
This Friday’s matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans (3-6) and Orlando Magic (3-6) brings together two teams that have faced unexpected struggles early in the 2024-2025 NBA season. Both teams were expected to perform at a higher level, but injuries and inconsistent play have hindered their progress. With both squads battling key absences, this game could go in many directions, depending on which team can adjust better and rise to the occasion.
Pelicans Struggling Without Key Players
The New Orleans Pelicans have been hit particularly hard by injuries to key players, which has significantly impacted their performance this season. Currently, the Pelicans are without several crucial figures, including offseason acquisition Dejounte Murray, starting guard CJ McCollum, and forward Trey Murphy III. Additionally, Zion Williamson, who has been limited to just a few games this season, remains a major question mark due to injuries. These absences have contributed to the Pelicans’ underwhelming performance, as they sit at the bottom of the Southwest Division.
Offensively, New Orleans is averaging just 109.3 points per game, ranking 22nd in the league. Their struggles are even more apparent on the defensive end, where they allow 117.9 points per game—also 22nd in the NBA. The Pelicans have been inconsistent in both shooting and defending. They rank 20th in field goal percentage (44.6%) and 13th in three-point shooting (36.4%), but their defense has been even more concerning. New Orleans ranks 29th in field goal percentage allowed (48.0%) and 28th in three-point percentage allowed (39.1%), making them one of the most vulnerable teams in the league on both ends of the floor.
For the Pelicans to turn things around, their remaining players—particularly Zion Williamson—will need to take on more responsibility. Williamson, who has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, will be a key factor in whether New Orleans can find its rhythm despite these injuries.
Magic Look for Answers Without Paolo Banchero
On the other side of the court, the Orlando Magic are also struggling to find consistency, particularly without their star player, Paolo Banchero. The second-year forward has been sidelined with an injury, and his absence has been deeply felt. Through the first five games, Banchero was averaging a stellar 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Since his injury, Orlando has dropped four consecutive games, highlighting how crucial his presence is to the team’s success.
Offensively, the Magic have struggled mightily without their star, ranking 28th in the league with an average of just 105.9 points per game. Their shooting efficiency has been a significant issue—Orlando ranks 28th in field goal percentage (43.4%) and dead last in three-point shooting at just 29.8%. Defensively, however, the Magic have been more solid, allowing 109.8 points per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Orlando’s defensive ability will be crucial in this matchup, as they face a Pelicans team that will look to exploit their offensive struggles.
With Banchero out, the Magic will rely heavily on other players to step up. Franz Wagner has been the team’s leading scorer in Banchero’s absence, averaging 18.8 points per game. Jalen Suggs has also stepped up, contributing 17.3 points per game and leading the team with 4.6 assists. Suggs’ playmaking ability will be critical in helping the Magic create offense without their primary scorer.
In addition to Banchero’s absence, Orlando is also dealing with an injury to Wendell Carter Jr., the team’s leading rebounder, who is questionable for Friday’s game. Carter’s ability to provide both scoring and rebounding will be vital if the Magic hope to stay competitive. Orlando has struggled on the boards this season, ranking 25th in total rebounds per game (42.9), including just 9.9 offensive rebounds.
Conclusion
As the New Orleans Pelicans face off against the Orlando Magic, both teams will be looking to overcome significant injuries that have hindered their early-season success. For the Pelicans, the loss of multiple key players has exposed some of their defensive weaknesses, while the Magic must adjust without their star, Paolo Banchero. This game will likely come down to which team can get the most out of their remaining talent and adjust to the absence of their key players. With both teams in need of a win, expect an intense and competitive battle in Orlando.
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