Pelicans carry momentum into matchup with Bulls

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The New Orleans Pelicans will search for their fifth win in a row — and their second in as many nights — once they head north to go to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

New Orleans is coming off a convincing 130-101 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. The Pelicans improved to 6-2 of their previous eight video games after beginning the season 5-10.

The latest surge has quieted rumors that the Pelicans may be sellers within the commerce market.

“I mentioned to (the) guys when all that was occurring that it is pure,” New Orleans coach Stan Van Gundy mentioned. “You are dropping video games, so persons are going to say, ‘Oh, shoot, they are going to blow it up.’ And the rumors are going to start out. If we have been successful then, like we’ve got within the final (eight), then the rumors go away. As a result of folks will assume you might be blissful together with your crew.

“I feel our guys have been good sufficient to grasp that. I’ve touted their resilience all yr. We now have had video games we’ve not performed nicely, however our bounce-back has been good, and they do not get discouraged.”

The newest participant to step up for New Orleans was Josh Hart, who notched a season-high 20 factors and a career-high 17 rebounds in opposition to Houston. Hart’s emergence was notably useful as a result of Zion Williamson was in foul bother.

Williamson nonetheless completed with 20 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. Brandon Ingram led the crew with 22 factors on 9-for-13 capturing, together with 3-for-5 from past the arc.

Chicago will intention to cease the Pelicans’ progress. The Bulls are on the lookout for a feel-good win after dropping three of their final 4 video games, together with a 105-101 defeat in opposition to the visiting Washington Wizards on Monday night time.

Zach LaVine continued his stellar season on offense as he scored 35 factors on 12-for-26 capturing. Thaddeus Younger additionally loved a robust sport, ending with 14 factors, six assists and 5 rebounds off the bench.

Nonetheless, no different Bulls participant managed to attain greater than 11 factors. Chicago’s depth was examined as large males Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen remained out of the lineup due to accidents.

Bulls heart Daniel Gafford has moved into the beginning lineup and tried to fill the void. He’s not blissful together with his efficiency, and his frustrations spilled over Monday as he picked up a technical foul.

Gafford has averaged 5.2 factors and 4.9 rebounds whereas beginning every of the previous 9 video games.

“I have been taking part in — excuse my language — (unhealthy), to be trustworthy,” Gafford mentioned. “I type of get in my very own head generally. And whenever you get in your individual head, you may go right into a darkish place, and it is exhausting to have the ability to pull your self out of that. However fortunately I’ve acquired nice guys on the crew that assist me get out of that scenario.”

The Wednesday contest would be the first assembly of the common season between the groups. Final season, the golf equipment met twice, with the Pelicans successful each matchups, giving them a six-game successful streak within the collection. The Bulls had gained every of the earlier six conferences.

–Area Stage Media

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