Magic at Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans can feel secure in the knowledge that they won’t have to see Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors for a few months. The Pelicans hope to have some better luck on the defensive end when they host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
New Orleans had the misfortune of facing the defending champions twice in the first three games and lost both while surrendering a total of 93 points to Curry, the reigning league MVP. “I have to find a way to get through to these guys, so that we move the ball more,” first-year Pelicans coach and former Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry told reporters. “We do a great job in practice, we have to be able to translate that from the practice court to the basketball court.” The Magic proved they can run with the top teams in a double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday but watched the offense fall off considerably in a 92-87 loss at Chicago on Sunday. Orlando is operating under a new coach as well in veteran Scott Skiles, who is still looking for his first win with the team.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Orlando), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE MAGIC (0-3): Skiles was disappointed in the lack of discipline his young players displayed at times in the 139-136 loss to the Thunder on Friday and can’t be please with Orlando failing to reach 90 points and shooting under 40 percent from the field in the other two contests. Second-year point guard Elfrid Payton is off to a slow start and was limited to four points on 2-of-7 shooting while battling foul trouble at Chicago on Sunday. The Louisiana native has more personal fouls (10) than assists (eight) in the last two games.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (0-3): Gentry was given plenty of credit for Golden State’s top-ranked offense last season and is trying to turn New Orleans into a team that moves the ball and flows based on what the defense gives it. “Last year we slowed the ball down a lot and called lots of plays,” guard Toney Douglas told reporters. “This year with Coach Gentry there’s more reads. I think he gives us the ability to use our talents a lot to be what we’re capable of, what we’re able to do as guards and bigs, so I think that’s going to be helpful.” So far the Pelicans have been outscored by an average of 16 points.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Magic G Evan Fournier is averaging 20.5 points in the last two games after managing three on 1-of-7 shooting in the opener.
2. Pelicans C Kendrick Perkins (pectoral injury) is out indefinitely.
3. New Orleans F Anthony Davis is 4-of-7 from 3-point range in the last two games.