Game On: Pels @ Sixers

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Published: January 16, 2015

Wednesday night the Pelicans (19-19) won their first road game against an Eastern Conference opponent of the season, a 105-94 win over a Detroit Pistons team that had won 9 out of its last 10 (the Pels were previously 0-7).  Now they head to Philadelphia (7-31) for the third of a five game stretch out East.

 

The 76ers came into January with a 4-26 record, but have gone 3-5 since. It is important the Pels don’t underestimate their opponent as they could be without Jrue Holiday for the second game in a row as well as Anthony Davis who has a toe injury.  Both missed Friday morning’s shoot-around and are game time decisions.  Fortunately for the Pels, Tyreke Evans and Ryan Anderson are capable starters in their positions.  Starting at the pg position against Detroit, Evans played 40 minutes, dishing out 9 assists to go along with 8 rebounds and 18 points; and Anderson’s career averages as a starter are just under 15 & 7, shooting 39.5% from 3.

 

Some thoughts on the Game:

  • Team Play – With the possibility of missing their leading assister, the Pels will need to have an added emphasis on moving the ball around.  As cliche as that sounds, it has been a problem for the Pels all season. Wednesday night was a good example of how they can play when everyone gets involved (they led from start to finish), hopefully they will see some carry over (another problem they have had all year is building off wins).
  • The Pels offense is typically what falters on the road, averaging just 97ppg compared to almost 107 at home.  When the Pels score 100 or more points they are 16-8.  They can’t afford another loss on the road to a sub-.500 team if they hope to stay alive in the playoff race
  • Gordon has been playing well since his return, shooting the ball extremely well, especially from deep (over 45%).  This type of efficient production is exactly what the Pels need from him tonight, especially if one of the league’s most efficient scorers (Davis) is out.

 

BSS will be having a Watch Party Tonight at Tracey’s on Magazine, if you are looking for a good time with fellow Pels fans and the BSS crew come on down!  Tip off is 6CT

 

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