The New Orleans Pelicans will begin their NBA preseason tonight against the Atlanta Hawks in a matchup of promising young players
This will be the first preseason game for the Pelicans and a good first look at the team overall.
Fans were treated to an open practice on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center. That was a look at this new-look roster, but tonight they will get to see in-game action.
The Pelicans will, seemingly, roll out Zion Williamson along with their other additions Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, J.J. Redick and rookie Nickeil-Alexander Walker.
Ingram played in 52 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. He averaged over 33 minutes a game and put up 18.3 points on 49.7 field goal percentage.
Ball has recovered from a season-ending ankle injury he suffered last season. Before the injury, Ball filled up the box score in multiple areas as he recorded 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in 2018.
Hart served as a significant role player with the Lakers, even starting 22 games last year. Hart played 25.6 minutes and averaged 7.8 points per game.
The other Pelicans’ addition Derrick Favors was held out of Saturday’s practice so it’s unknown whether or not he will play against the Hawks.
On the other side, the Hawks have rookies Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter. Reddish is cleared to play after recovering from core muscle surgery during the offseason. Hunter was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and he’s even been called “Baby Kawhi” by center Alex Len.
Other Hawks’ players to look at are Trae Young and John Collins. The Hawks starting point guard, Young, is entering his second season. He averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 assists per game in his rookie season. As for Collins, he is going into his third season with the Hawks. Collins improved in his second season, averaging 19.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
The Pelicans and Hawks will present plenty of young talent on the court in Monday’s preseason game.