New Orleans Pelicans Roster
- Western Southwest
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New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball kept the offense flowing in Thursday's 135-100 win over Orlando, delivering a game-high 12 assists in 25 minutes. He added six points to his line on 2-for-8 shooting with four rebounds, one block and four turnovers. Ball had a hot start to the month offensively, but he's struggled to get into double figures lately. The 12 assists were a pretty sign for fantasy managers, though. He should be able to put up good scoring numbers in the next matchup against the Spurs, who boast the league's worst defensive record against opposing point guards.
New Orleans Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram had it going against the Magic on Thursday, scoring a game-high 29 points in 29 minutes in a blowout win. He missed only six of 17 shots and finished 2-for-5 from outside and 5-for-5 at the free-throw line with six assists, three rebounds and two turnovers. Ingram has produced two very efficient scoring nights this week and will try to continue it against the Spurs on Saturday. He has averaged 28.5 points in two previous outings versus San Antonio this season.
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center James Johnson (adductor) will not play Thursday against the Orlando Magic. Johnson will miss his second straight game with a strained adductor and did not sound close to playing in this one with a doubtful tag initially. Naji Marshall has been playing well for the past week now and is the player to target with Johnson out.
New Orleans Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram notched 27 points on 10-for-17 shooting in Tuesday's 134-129 loss to Brooklyn with five assists, four rebounds and two turnovers in 32 minutes. He shot 2-for-5 from outside and 5-for-6 at the foul line. Ingram missed the start of the month through injury, but he's been on fire ever since re-entering the lineup, averaging 26.6 points in seven games. He has a chance to remain hot in a favorable matchup against Orlando on Thursday. The Magic are ranked 26th in defensive efficiency and have been taking heavy losses regularly in recent weeks.
New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson powered his way to a game-high 33 points on 14-for-19 shooting in Tuesday's loss to Brooklyn, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one steal to his line with four turnovers. He went 5-for-6 with his free throws but couldn't pull his team to victory. Zion now has six 30-point outings this month. He gets buckets against anyone and Orlando is in for a tough night against him next on Thursday, although the Magic have a good defensive record against opposing power forwards with only the Spurs allowing fewer points to the position per 48 minutes.