The New Orleans Pelicans will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games as they prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday evening. This matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Cleveland having won the previous encounter 141-118 on December 24.
Currently, the Pelicans hold a 16-21 record at home, while the Cavaliers stand at 43-27, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT. New Orleans has been performing well lately, boasting a three-game winning streak and an overall record of 25-46, placing them twelfth in the Western Conference.
In terms of performance, the Pelicans average 13.6 turnovers per game, and they have been successful in their games when they commit fewer turnovers than their opponents, holding a 14-20 record in those situations. On the other hand, the Cavaliers have a solid road record of 21-14 and are ranked eighth in the league for 3-pointers made per game, averaging 14.5 while hitting 36.0% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Leading the charge for the Cavaliers is Donovan Mitchell, who averages 3.3 made 3-pointers per game with a shooting percentage of 36.4% from long range. The Pelicans, meanwhile, average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game, which is 2.6 fewer than what the Cavaliers allow, at 13.9 per game. Cleveland has been shooting 47.7% from the field this season, slightly better than the 47.4% that New Orleans” opponents have managed.
In their last game, Mitchell scored 27 points for the Cavaliers, while Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points. Other key players include Trey Murphy III, who has been averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals, and Williamson, who has averaged 18.2 points over his last 10 games. For the Cavaliers, Evan Mobley contributes 18.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while James Harden has been averaging 20.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in his last 10 outings.
Over their last ten games, the Pelicans have posted a 6-4 record, averaging 119.0 points, 45.4 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 9.1 steals, and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. In comparison, the Cavaliers also have a 6-4 record, averaging 116.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 6.8 steals, and 5.7 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 48.0%. Opponents have averaged 114.3 points against the Pelicans and 113.2 points against the Cavaliers during this stretch.
Injury reports indicate that Dejounte Murray and Bryce McGowens are day-to-day for the Pelicans, while the Cavaliers are dealing with similar uncertainties regarding Craig Porter Jr., Tyrese Proctor, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen.
