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The New Orleans Pelicans will face off against the Thunder in less than a few hours time, and they’ll be without center Steven Adams (right MTP sprain). Willy Hernangomez will start in his place.
However, the biggest topic remains the end of last night’s loss to the Nuggets. And earlier today, the NBA added a little more fuel to fire.
In the L2M report from Denver, not only should Nikola Jokic’s block on Zion Williamson with 2.2 seconds left in regulation have been ruled differently (a foul) but also Facundo Campazzo should have been whistled for an offensive foul on Brandon Ingram — a reversal of the call on the court where Denver’s point guard was awarded a couple of key free throws.
The L2M report notes TWO missed calls, both of which were to Denver's advantage, creating a 4 point swing in a game decided by 2 points in the final 36 seconds.https://t.co/Xy16HKVTNW pic.twitter.com/kHGXEcoBAv
— David Fisher (@Fish_TBW) April 29, 2021
To be fair, the Pelicans put themselves in a difficult position by playing too loosely with the ball in the first half (15 turnovers!) and then not coming up with enough solid stretches for the rest of the game. There’s obviously nothing that can be done about it now.
Instead, the Pels must focus on the Thunder, who recently just ended a franchise-worst, 14-game skid. They have to take care of business tonight and then on Saturday against the Timberwolves to have a good chance of making the upcoming back-to-back versus the Warriors next week really meaningful basketball.
For more on today’s matchup, please give Travis’ preview a read.
Geaux Pels!
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (27-35) at Oklahoma City Thunder (21-41)
When: April 29, 8:00 p.m. Central
Where to watch: Bally Sports New Orleans
Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM
For more Pelicans talk, subscribe to The Bird Calls podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @OlehKosel.