5 Must Watch Games Of the 2015-16 Pelicans Season
By Mike Delayo
Apr 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) looks to pass the ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) defends during the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
November 20: vs. San Antonio Spurs (ESPN)
One of these years, New Orleans will get to play against a rebuilding, post-Duncan and Popovich era San Antonio team.
This will not be one of those years. In fact, this could be the best Spurs team, at least on paper, to hit the floor in quite some time.
LaMarcus Aldridge and David West were acquired to deepen the frontcourt alongside Tim Duncan. Key players like Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard also decided to stick around. I think it is safe to say they had a pretty solid offseason.
The Spurs come to New Orleans on November 20th to face off in the first of four games between the division rivals. The Pelicans’ success within their tough as nails division last season was critical to their playoff run (especially the final game of the season, a win against the Spurs), and this year will be no different.
Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97 – 82 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Davis and Aldridge, two of the game’s best power forwards, will be going toe to toe on offense.
Tim Duncan and Omer Asik will be tasked with slowing down each opposing big men.
Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday will have their work cut out for them against the likes of Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.
Eric Gordon and Danny Green will be having their own three point shooting contest.
And do not forget Quincy Pondexter, who only has to match up against an elite small forward talent in Kawhi Leonard.
This game and the other three against the Spurs this season will not be easy for the Pelicans to win, but they will be a heck of a lot of fun to watch.
Next: Will Anthony Davis Dethrone the King?