Game 37: Lonzo Ball and New Orleans Pelicans face stiff challenge without Jrue Holiday against Utah Jazz

The New Orleans Pelicans, who have won six of their last eight games, were already going to have their hands full with the Utah Jazz tonight inside the Smoothie King Center, but the task got a little harder following this afternoon’s news.

Though he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations this season, Jrue Holiday is still regarded as one of the best two-way players in the league. Replacing him in the lineup is no small feat as 20-point scorers and a good driver and playmaker do not grow on trees. Plus, who is going to slow down Donovan Mitchell now?

That responsibility should fall on both Josh Hart — the likely replacement for Holiday in the starting lineup — and Lonzo Ball, who is in the midst of his best string of performances in his career. Since returning to the starting lineup, Ball has averaged 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.3 made threes over his last six games.

In my opinion, Ball, Brandon Ingram, JJ Redick and E’Twaun Moore off the bench are going to have be solid in the scoring column, with at least one of them really going off. What say you?

For more on tonight’s contest, please give Preston’s preview a read.

Geaux Pels!

Where To Watch/Listen

What: New Orleans Pelicans (12-24) vs Utah Jazz (23-12)

Where: Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, LA

When: Monday, January 6th, 2019 7:00 PM CST

How: FSNO