Game Thread: New Orleans Pelicans vs Denver Nuggets to present interesting size matchups in starting lineups

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart (both had minor dental procedures earlier today) in tonight’s scrimmage against the Denver Nuggets so Alvin Gentry is electing to go with a smaller starting lineup.

What makes this more unique than usual is the fact that the Denver Nuggets are visiting the other end of the spectrum. With Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Gary Harris out, Mike Malone is starting a gigantic starting lineup, with Nikola Jokic running at point guard.

Expect the Nuggets to try and play a lot of zone, but knowing Gentry, he’ll have the Pelicans push the pace at every turn so as to take advantage of Denver’s enormous size in not getting back in a timely manner to defend. Ultimately though, New Orleans head coach isn’t concerned about mismatches.

“We can’t worry about their lineup, or who they’re going to play, if it’s going to be a zone or if it’s not going to be a zone,” Gentry said in pregame. “We just have to try to be better than we were in our last game.”

For more on tonight’s matchup, give our preview a read.

Geaux Pels!

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Where To Watch/Listen

What: New Orleans Pelicans (1-0) vs Denver Nuggets (1-0)

Where: The Arena, Disney World, Florida

When: Wednesday, July 25, 2020, 7:30 PM

Watch: Pelicans.com, Pelicans app, NBA League Pass

Listen: ESPN Radio 100.3 FM