New Orleans Pelicans: 5 Reasons For Their Early-Season Struggles

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Injuries

Injuries have plagued the New Orleans Pelicans all season. Jrue Holiday, the team’s best perimeter defender, has not only missed six games, but has been on a minute restriction. He’s only averaging 22.6 minutes played per game. Out of the 189 games he could’ve played in, while in a New Orleans Pelicans uniform, he’s only appeared in 93 of them. Not ideal.

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The team’s best distributor, Tyreke Evans, has missed 17 of the 25 games this season. In his return, they’ve only been 3-5, but they’re play has been much better. He gets the offense flowing, as they run more and pass more. Now that he’s back, the Pelicans look to regain the chemistry they had at the end of last season.

Quincy Pondexter has been a huge loss for the Pelicans. He’s not a big name, but he’s a huge reason why the Pelicans made the playoffs last season. Along with Dante Cunningham, he’s that spark that helps the Pelicans finish games. On defense, he guards the opposing team’s best player. On offense, he either handles the ball or spots up for an open three pointer. His value to the team is clearly showing in the standings.

Next: Defense