The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to be in the most challenging group for the NBA Cup.
Dec 6, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green speaks to the media during a press conference on practice day before the In-Season Tournament semi-finals at T-Mobile Arena. / Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
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With the NBA season still over two months away, interest is heating up following the release of the schedule for the second In-Season Tournament. The New Orleans Pelicans have been placed in West Group C, alongside the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Memphis Grizzlies. NBA writer Andy Bailey forecasts this group as the most challenging of the tournament.
“Dallas features the tournament’s top scorer, Luka Dončić. Denver boasts MVP Nikola Jokić and a strong starting five despite losing KCP. Golden State has Stephen Curry, who ended the Paris Olympics with an outstanding performance. Memphis welcomes back Ja Morant. If Zion Williamson is healthy, the Pelicans could be one of the most dynamic and deep teams in the league.”
The article predicts Luka Dončić will be the top scorer of the tournament. Dončić led the NBA in points last season and earned All-NBA First Team honors for the fifth consecutive year, guiding the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.
Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP, is considered one of the top players in the league. The Nuggets, who won the NBA title in 2023, remain strong contenders with Jokić, Jamal Murray, and their roster.
Jamal Murray, who recently delivered a stellar performance in the Olympics helping Team USA win their fifth consecutive Gold Medal, continues to be a major threat. Although the Warriors lost Klay Thompson to the Mavericks, Curry’s presence keeps Golden State formidable.
Ja Morant will lead the Memphis Grizzlies next season. Memphis faced numerous injuries and Morant’s early season suspension last year, but with a healthy roster including Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., they should be competitive.
The Pelicans had a 7-7 record against the other teams in their group last year.
Health and consistency will be crucial for New Orleans this season. Zion Williamson, who played a career-high 70 games last season, was injured in the Play-In Tournament against the Lakers and missed the playoffs once again.
