New Orleans Pelicans 2023-24 season preview: Projected starters, schedule and betting odds
If you care about wins in the preseason, the Pels may have disappointed you. But fans should be excited that they managed to start the same lineup every game.
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans 2023-24 season tips off in a week. They closed out their 4-game preseason schedule on Tuesday night with their first win.
If you care about wins in the preseason, the Pels may have disappointed you. But fans should be excited that they managed to start the same lineup that included star forward Zion Williamson in every game.
In four games, Williamson averaged 12 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.75 assists in about 20 minutes. The former No. 1 pick looked his best, scoring 10 points and nabbing 4 steals in the first quarter last night against the Orlando Magic.
Last month, Pels' Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said Williamson spent more time this offseason in the Pelicans' gym than at any point in his NBA career.
"You know, he tells everyone publicly who will listen, how much he loves New Orleans and he wants to be here," said Griffin. "And, he's continuing to do what he says he's gonna do. He was here. He was in our building more than he had been. He stayed in the city longer and more often in the offseason working here on his own more than he has. I don't think there's a lot of him trying to go elsewhere."
Zion Williamson put on a show in the first half vs the Magic ��
16 PTS
6/8 FGM
3 REB
3 AST
5 STLNOP/ORL live on the NBA APP pic.twitter.com/4e8Ml4Vio4
— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2023
McCollum and Ingram both averaged about 12 points during preseason action. Starting center Jonas Valančiūnas averaged 6 points and 6 rebounds in limited action.
The Pelicans open their season next Wednesday, Oct. 25, on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pels home opener is a few days later against the New York Knicks on Saturday, Oct. 28. Two nights later, they host the Golden State Warriors. Both games will air on NBA TV.
Staying healthy will be the key to a successful season for the Pelicans. Last season, their big three of Williamson, McCollum, and Ingram played just 10 games together. Williamson injured his hamstring in January and never returned. A toe injury kept Ingram out for two months.
The trio is projected as starters alongside Herb Jones and Valančiūnas. They will start the regular season missing at least two rotation players, Trey Murphy III and Naji Marshall. Both are recovering from knee injuries.
With both out, Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Dereon Seabron, and rookie Jordan Hawkins could pick up extra minutes.
Projected starting lineup
- Guard: CJ McCollum
- Forward: Brandon Ingram
- Forward: Herb Jones
- Forward: Zion Williamson
- Center: Jonas Valančiūnas
Injured Pels
- Trey Murphy III (Knee): Injured during offseason workouts. Underwent surgery in September. Murphy will miss the start of the regular season. He's expected to resume baseball activities in about a month.
- Naji Marshall (Knee): Hyperextended his right knee against the Hawks. Marshall will miss the start of the regular season. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
- Jose Alvardo (Right ankle): Injured during offseason workouts. Alvardo is expected to be available for the season opener.
- Larry Nance (Left ankle): Recovering from a left ankle injury, but is expected to make a full recovery before the start of the regular season.
Pelicans Betting Odds
- Pelicans over 44.5 wins, +104
- Pelicans under 44.5 wins, -128
- Pelicans 50+ regular season wins, +250
- Pelicans 55+ regular season wins, +800
- NBA Regular Season MVP - Zion Willaimson, +5000
- NBA Regular Season MVP - Brandon Ingram, +30000
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year - Herb Jones, +5000
- NBA Most Improved Player - Zion Willaimson, +6000
- NBA Clutch Player of the Year - Zion Willaimson, +10000
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year - Larry Nance Jr., +35000
- NBA Coach of the Year - Willie Green, +2000
- Southwest Division Winner - New Orleans Pelicans, +210
- Western Conference Champions - New Orleans Pelicans, +2900
- NBA Champions - New Orleans Pelicans, +4200
National TV games
ESPN will broadcast four:
- at Oklahoma City (Nov. 1)
- at Golden State (Jan. 10)
- at LA Clippers (Feb. 7)
- vs. Miami (Feb. 23).
TNT will broadcast two:
- vs. Memphis (Dec. 19)
- at Sacramento (Apr. 11)
NBA TV will televise six:
- vs. New York (Oct. 28)
- vs. Golden State (Oct. 30)
- at L.A. Lakers (Feb. 9)
- at Miami (Mar. 22)
- vs. Milwaukee (Mar. 28)
- vs. Boston (Mar. 30)
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