Gameday: Raptors @ Pelicans, Feb. 14

While patiently awaiting the arrival of Zion Williamson, the Pelicans find themselves entrenched with another overwhelming force: the Raptors.

The rumour is that if you say mismatch around the Pelicans they quiver in fear. Boasting a very small back court of CJ McCollum and Devonte’ Graham, that also happens to be poor on defense, is a recipe for disaster against the Raptors. It’s not that these are bad players, both have obvious and valuable utility in the NBA, it’s just a tough fit. Whether it comes down to death by mismatch, or the lack of capacity to bother Siakam with their dig downs or doubles, it’s going to be a problem.

Through two games, CJ and Graham have played 48 minutes together. They have a -35 net rating and a 138 drtg. And it’s not like this is versus the Warriors or Grizzlies.

— verticality (@AnnaJaneSmith4) February 13, 2022

Of course, Jose Alvorado has been an interesting player this year and had success against VanVleet in the last matchup, maybe he gets a longer look at the expense of some of Graham’s minutes. And as for the Siakam check? Both Herb Jones and Ingram played him for quite a few defensive possessions and neither did a very good job. But, to be fair no one really has for a long time now.

The most interesting thing, as is always the case when the Raptors face a legitimately great big, is how they try to stop Jonas Valanciunas. Beloved as he is (and deservedly so) among the Raptors brass and fans, they’re more than likely going to throw a lot of attention his way below the free throw line, and it remains to be seen if he can pass around the Raptors moving parts, or blast through that coverage into buckets at the rim. He will no doubt make it much harder for the Raptors to feast on the offensive glass, though.

The Pelicans were on a great run, but the McCollum addition has complicated some things for them even if it was an overall talent upgrade. Should be fun.