The New Orleans Pelicans went from three losses out of four to three wins out of four after their loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
After struggling offensively for a few weeks, the Pelicans appear to have found their way. Over their last four games, New Orleans leads the NBA in offensive rating (124.9), net rating (20.9) and second in true shooting percentage (63.0).
Trey Murphy III’s resurgent efforts led the way. After struggling to find its rhythm for most of the season, “Trigga,” it seems, is back. Over the last four games, Murphy is averaging 24.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game; everything is going well for the second best on the list during this streak.
His 10 three-pointers against the Raptors tied his career high and his season-high 34 points were the most for the third-year forward since he set his career high with 41 against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12 of last season. He also matched the best plus-minus mark of his young career with a +44, giving Murphy three of the four highest individual +/- marks in Pelicans franchise history.
Murphy has also been at his best when it matters most. In the fourth quarter of this quartet of contests, Trey leads the Pelicans in scoring (6.8), field goal percentage (72.7) and three-point percentage (70.0).
The Pelicans have already surpassed last season’s road win total with 19 victories away from the Smoothie King Center, behind the franchise record of seven with nine games remaining. For a franchise that has only surpassed the 20-win plateau three times in its history, these Pelicans have been true road warriors.
With the Sixers with three starters, including former MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star Tyrese Maxey, the Pelicans are rested and ready to possibly extend their winning streak to three straight games.
The best scenario would be for the Pels to start with a 40+ point first quarter again and finish this one early. The sooner the Pelicans can finish off lesser opponents, the better they continue their progression toward the playoffs.
Most recent starting lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Philadelphia 76ers |
| G – CJ McCollum | G-Cameron Payne |
| G-Herb Jones | G – Buddy Hield |
| F-Brandon Ingram | F-Nicolas Batum |
| F-Zion Williamson | F-Tobias Harris |
| C – Jonas Valanciunas | C-Paul Reed |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels (left knee meniscectomy) is OUT.
Philadelphia 76ers: Robert Covington (knee), Joel Embiid (knee), Tyrese Maxey (concussion) and De’Anthony Melton (back) are OUT.
WHO: New Orleans Pelicans (37-25) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (35-27)
Season Series
- November 29: Pelicans def. 76ers, 124-114
- March 8: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Or: Wells Fargo Center
When: March 8, 6:00 p.m. CST
Where to watch: Gray Television Affiliates
Where to listen: WRNO 99.5
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