Pelicans Return Home And Host Struggling Raptors Squad
In this story:
New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans (28-21) return home to face the struggling Toronto Raptors (17-32) Monday night at the Smoothie King Center. Toronto comes in losers of seven of their last eight games and played a grueling overtime game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday evening. Toronto is just 2-6 on the second night of a back-to-back game. Meanwhile, the Pels won their last two road games in Texas to boost their record to seven games above .500.
The Raptors team the Pelicans played for the first time last season is vastly different from the Toronto team today. Only one starter remains from the matchup back in November of last season. Scottie Barnes leads the team in scoring this season, but the Raptors recently went through a roster overhaul. They traded up and coming forward OG Anunboy to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Feb 23, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) drives to the net against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Since joining the Raptors Barrett is averaging 21.1 points per game on 55% shooting from the field. A change in scenery has no doubt provided a lift to Barrett's game. His 36.4% shooting from beyond the arc has lifted a pedestrian three-point shooting team a little higher in the stats. Toronto is No. 21 in three-point percentage (35.8%) and No. 24 in three-point made shots (11.8).
One area New Orleans should look to take advantage of is in the interior. Toronto ranks near the bottom of the league in opponent points in the paint. Over the last games, the Raptors have given up the second-most points in the paint to their opponents (60.7). Zion Williamson is a game-time decision as he continues to deal with a left-bone contusion. Zion made his first game-winning shot in the victory over the Rockets on Friday night. Williamson averages 23 points and nine rebounds in his career versus the Raptors.
If Williamson can't play, expect a heavy dose of Jonas Valanciunas against his former team. Valanciunas spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Raptors. As a member of the Pelicans, Valanicunas averages 16 points and 12 rebounds against his former team. He leads the Pelicans with 25 double-doubles on the season.
Toronto shares the basketball well as a team. They average the third most assists in the league (29.3), so dribble penetration by the Raptors' guards should be an area of focus for the Pelicans defense. New Orleans is still above average in defensive efficiency, although they've slipped back to the pack over the course of the last few games. The Pelicans look to get a win at home before heading back on the road again. After Monday's game the Pelicans hit the road for four straight road games.
