The Pelicans put their 4 game win streak on the line as they host the Denver Nuggets tonight for their 3rd home game in a row.  Their current win steak is the longest of the season, and they will need to keep it going against a sub-.500 team at home if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The previous matchup in the mile high city was a fairly one-sided affair, as the Nuggets blew the Pels out 117-97.  But the Pels average 10 more ppg at home than on the road, and boast a record of 15-5 at home.  Jrue Holiday is still out however, and Tyreke Evans is suffering from and illness tho he is still probable for the game.  This team has been too inconsistent to underestimate any opponent and will need to bring their A game if they want to extend this winning streak.

Some Keys to the Game:

1. Win the Battle in the Paint – The Pelicans were out scored in the paint last time around 32-52.  As the number one team scoring in the paint, that is never a good sign.  The improved play of Evans and Gordon should help in that category, but with Holiday out they will need to continue picking up the slack against a talented Denver backcourt.
2. Keep the ball moving – the Pels have some impressive team wins of late, assisting on 57 of their last 79 field goals.  With the team’s leading assister still out the team will need to continue this great team play that was lacking at the beginning of this season.
3. Control the tempo – The Pels play one of the slowest paces in the NBA today, while Denver runs one of the fastest, and that was very apparent in the last matchup as the Nuggets ran the Pels out of the building, scoring 117 points on 82 shots.  The Pelicans will need to keep Denver’s leading scorer and floor general Ty Lawson in check if they want to keep a slower tempo.

Go Pels, tip off is for 7CT at the SKC