Game Day: Suns (11-8) @ Pelicans (7-12), Wed, 2/3/2021

[bajanguy008]

Time: 7:30 pm AZ (6:30 pm PT/9:30 pm ET)
Place: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: FSAZ, ESPN

Ok folks, here we are again with another National TV game although I think this one might be more the league's pushing of Zion but either way the Pelicans have struggled and been inconsistent. They are on a 2 game losing streak but their last win was actually against the Bucks when they were crazy hot with Lonzo and Bledsoe somehow each hitting seven 3s. DA will have to battle Adams on the glass which leaves us to have to try to load up and get bodies in front of the bowling ball that is Zion as we don't have anyone to physically check him 1v1.

Regardless, Ingram is the player I rate the most on their team anyways and I will say the key to the game and as being discussed in another thread, Zion for his offensive gifts doesn't play any defense nor does the team on a whole so we should be fine. Really don't think we should be losing to this bunch so let's get to 4 in a row !

Go Suns!!!

Dis • cuss

[rhylek]

They Have to beat any team Bledsoe's playing for. And then leave. Because they don't wanna be there.

[Indy]

Do the stats back up Adams dominating Ayton? It feels that way to me, but I am old and my brain can't be trusted as much any more.

I am looking forward to Booker being engaged somewhat defensively and not letting NAW and/or Josh Hart get 14 uncontested layups this game.

Who does Mikal guard today? I guess Ingram because he is too long for Crowder and Cam doesn't seem ready for that. And Zion is too strong for anyone except DA, but he has to guard one of the strongest guys in the league in Adams. Weird match ups today.

Might be a good day to start Crowder over Cam...

[ShelC]

Would really like to see our swings send a message and shutdown Ingram. Crowder probably gets the assignment on Zion but not sure who else can match up when Crowder sits or if he gets in foul trouble.

[Mori Chu]

I looked up their roster on NBA.com since I haven't checked in with these Pelicans in a while. Oof. They have a lot of "Who He?" type of guys after their top 4-5. And a lot of their veteran talent is deeply flawed, like Bledsoe or JJ Redick. I like Ingram, and obviously Zion is a great young piece, and Lonzo is interesting, but this team looks like it's still several years away from contending. And I like SVG as a coach in general, but this doesn't feel like an SVG roster to me. Not enough shooting, not enough speed/athleticism, just the wrong mix of players. They could really use more 3-point shooting.

This is one of those games we "should" win, but you never know. The guy I always focus on the most lately is Ayton. Will he continue his strong streak of games? How will he fare vs the physical Adams? I think I agree with Indy that I'd probably start Crowder tonight (and in general). Feels to me like Cam plays better against bench defenders right now. This also feels like a game where Coach Monty will give Nader the backup swing minutes rather than Galloway, just based on his size and slashing to the basket.

[O_Gardino]

I'm looking for another big game from Frank the Tank! In this recent stretch he's averaging 10p/6.3r/4a/1s on .524/.600/.714 splits in just 16 minutes. That's on track to be one of the Suns greatest centers per 36!

[Superbone]

I just hope WW is feeling good vibes about this one.

[specialsauce]

Do the stats back up Adams dominating Ayton? It feels that way to me, but I am old and my brain can't be trusted as much any more.

I am looking forward to Booker being engaged somewhat defensively and not letting NAW and/or Josh Hart get 14 uncontested layups this game.

Who does Mikal guard today? I guess Ingram because he is too long for Crowder and Cam doesn't seem ready for that. And Zion is too strong for anyone except DA, but he has to guard one of the strongest guys in the league in Adams. Weird match ups today.

Might be a good day to start Crowder over Cam...

That is my perception too

[bajanguy008]

Said last game that I was surprised to see Nader not factor at all and ma boy Cam play 18mins in the first half when his shot wasn't falling. Think this ankle issue might have been the reason tbh, he surely wouldn't consistently play 20mins with Book back but don't think it will be zero either

[specialsauce]

Saris is really taking a long time to get back

[Indy]

Saris is really taking a long time to get back

It feels like he was in the protocol because he was exposed, but he never cleared because he ended up catching it a bit later, then had to recover, then get his energy and stamina back. I assume he is a smoker, too, which might make it a lot harder.

[Split T]

Had Covid, taking him a bit to get his lungs back.

[Mori Chu]

Saris is really taking a long time to get back

They're calling it "conditioning." He never looks like he's in great shape, but maybe it's especially bad after missing so much time. Just needs 1-2 more weeks to get some sprints in and get back into game shape?

[LazarusLong]

Given Kaminsky's recent success, Saric is only needed for depth (currently).
Doesn't mean I expect Frank to continue his great play in the long run... but that would be cool.
Do hope Saric eventually gets back to his "bubble" level.

Still would like the team to upgrade from Jones ...

[LazarusLong]

Might be a good day to start Crowder over Cam...

Agree. Need his strength against Zion's beef ...

[Wally_West]

Feels like a trap game. Suns better not take this lightly, Pels won’t. They remember last time. But I have good vibes about this, Suns win.

[Superbone]

Do the stats back up Adams dominating Ayton? It feels that way to me, but I am old and my brain can't be trusted as much any more.

I am looking forward to Booker being engaged somewhat defensively and not letting NAW and/or Josh Hart get 14 uncontested layups this game.

Who does Mikal guard today? I guess Ingram because he is too long for Crowder and Cam doesn't seem ready for that. And Zion is too strong for anyone except DA, but he has to guard one of the strongest guys in the league in Adams. Weird match ups today.

Might be a good day to start Crowder over Cam...

That is my perception too

You think Indy is old and his brain can't be trusted? Wow.

[Superbone]

Saris is really taking a long time to get back

It feels like he was in the protocol because he was exposed, but he never cleared because he ended up catching it a bit later, then had to recover, then get his energy and stamina back. I assume he is a smoker, too, which might make it a lot harder.

Why would you make that assumption?

[Superbone]

Feels like a trap game. Suns better not take this lightly, Pels won’t. They remember last time. But I have good vibes about this, Suns win.

Phew!

[Split T]

Do the stats back up Adams dominating Ayton? It feels that way to me, but I am old and my brain can't be trusted as much any more.

Yes and no. Numbers are pretty even to be honest. Adams is 4-1 against Ayton though. The Pels game this year must have been his first 1.

https://www.landofbasketball.com/games_ ... _ayton.htm