Key for New Orleans: Feed your big men
It’s no secret as to what the Pelicans game-plan is, and that is to feed their big man. They arguably have the best power forward and center in Cousins and Davis. For New Orleans to be successful, they need to be giving them the ball.
New Orleans Pelicans
Beyond those two players, the Pelicans are not that talented – other than Holiday of course. But, the Pelicans are not going to win games if those two are not playing big. Beyond those three players, they have players starting such as E’Twaun Moore, and Dante Cunningham.
Minnesota is a lot deeper and has more star talent. However, the only way they win this game is if Cousins and Davis are able to take over the game. Which isn’t hard for a player of their caliber. Here is their average stats on the season:
Davis: 25.4 points per game, 13.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks
Cousins: 32.3 points per game, 13.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks
Do keep in mind that Davis was injured early in the game against the Portland Trailblazers. He was only able to put in five minutes and chalked up two points. That is why his numbers are at 25.4 – beyond that game, he was averaging over 30-points.
The key for the Pelicans, if they want to win this game, is the need to feed both Cousin and Davis. Don’t be surprised to see 30 plus points from each of these guys, with of course the exception of blocked shots and the edge on the glass. It will be no easy feat to take down these top players and get a big win.