Pelicans vs Raptors: A Crucial Clash for Playoff Hopes
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors: Battle for Playoff Hopes
On Monday, January 29th, the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (12-34) will travel to Toronto to take on the Raptors (13-32) at Scotiabank Arena in a battle between two teams desperate to find their way into the playoff picture. The Pelicans are currently sitting 14th in the Western Conference, while the Raptors are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. Both squads are far behind the top 10 seeds that secure playoff berths, with the Pelicans 11.5 games out of the 10th spot in the West, and the Raptors 5.5 games behind the same position in the East.
New Orleans is entering this matchup on the heels of a heavy loss to the Charlotte Hornets (123-92) on Saturday, marking their second consecutive defeat. The Raptors, on the other hand, have been riding a wave of momentum, winning three straight games, including a dominant 117-94 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Pelicans Struggling on Both Ends of the Floor
The New Orleans Pelicans are in desperate need of improvement, both offensively and defensively. With a scoring average of 109.2 points per game (24th in the NBA), New Orleans has struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. They are also near the bottom in shooting efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 44.4% (26th) and a three-point shooting percentage of just 34.4% (26th).
Defensively, the Pelicans are also underperforming. They give up 117.8 points per game (26th in the NBA), allowing opponents to shoot 48.3% from the field (28th). While their three-point defense is slightly better (36.5%), it still ranks in the bottom half of the league (20th).
Key player Zion Williamson leads the team in scoring with 22.5 points per game, while Brandon Ingram, who averages 22.2 points per game, remains sidelined due to injury. CJ McCollum (22.0 points per game) and Trey Murphy III (21.4 points per game) round out the team’s scoring leaders. Williamson also contributes significantly on the glass, leading the Pelicans with 8.5 rebounds per game. However, New Orleans will need more balanced contributions and better execution on both ends of the court if they are to have a chance against Toronto.
Additionally, defensive effort from players like Murray, who averages 2.2 steals per game, and Yves Missi, the team’s top shot blocker (1.4 blocks per game), will be critical to slowing down the Raptors’ offense.
Raptors Looking to Maintain Winning Streak
The Toronto Raptors have been performing better of late, winning three consecutive games and five of their last six. Despite a scoring average of 111.3 points per game (19th in the NBA), the Raptors have been more efficient offensively than their opponents. Their shooting accuracy of 47.1% from the field ranks 12th in the league, while they make 35.0% of their three-pointers (20th).
However, the Raptors are not immune to defensive struggles. They allow an average of 117.4 points per game (25th), with opponents shooting 47.1% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc, ranking them 21st in three-point defense. To keep their winning streak alive, Toronto will need to improve defensively and capitalize on any Pelicans mistakes.
The Raptors’ offense revolves around RJ Barrett, who leads the team with 22.1 points per game. Scottie Barnes follows closely with 20.1 points per game and leads the team in assists with 6.5 per game. Jakob Poeltl is a dominant force on the boards, averaging 10.3 rebounds per game, and is a key defensive presence, blocking 1.2 shots per game.
To further bolster their chances, Toronto will rely on contributions from role players such as Gary Trent Jr. and Chris Boucher, who can provide scoring bursts and defensive energy.
Conclusion
Given Toronto’s recent form and home-court advantage, the Raptors should have the edge in this contest. However, if the Pelicans can tighten their defense and exploit Toronto’s inconsistencies, especially from beyond the arc, New Orleans has the tools to make this a competitive matchup.
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