The states were about as big as it gets in New Orleans, and Zion Williamson and the Pelicans got a big win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Zion dominated the game for the Pels and Jake Madison explains why that, and this game, is a really big deal. Plus, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were held in check by Herb Jones. And Trey Murphy closed the game over CJ McCollum.

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Are the New Orleans Pelicans the most frustrating team? A loss to the Houston Rockets followed up by a big win has Jake Madison begging for consistency. Plus, he breaks down the adjustments that allowed Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas to all thrive.

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New Orleans Pelicans hit rock bottom after a 112-104 loss to the Detroit Pistons, exposing every flaw from lackluster three-point shooting and poor defensive rebounding to inconsistent effort. Facing a tough reality, Jake Madison examines whether the Pelicans can salvage their future and points to Detroit’s patient rebuild as a blueprint for hope. Can New Orleans resist short-term fixes and embrace a long-term strategy?

Key topics include Zion Williamson’s abrupt exit due to illness, Trey Murphy’s struggles, and Micah Peavy’s energy off the bench. Jake Madison breaks down why chasing a blockbuster move for Ja Morant could derail the Pelicans’ development, arguing for patience and internal growth over splashy trades. The episode wraps with a candid assessment of James Borrego’s prospects as head coach and the front office’s looming decisions, challenging fans to consider: Is patience the missing ingredient for a true Pelicans resurgence?

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New Orleans Pelicans face a harsh reality: trading for Ja Morant won’t fix their biggest problems. Can a flashy addition overcome the team’s lack of rim protection, rebounding, and floor spacing, or is the center position still holding them back from NBA playoff success?

Jake Madison breaks down the salary cap dilemma, explores realistic Ja Morant trade scenarios, and examines why it might not move the needle. Analysis covers the limitations of the upcoming free agent class, restricted options for upgrading at center, and the impact of controversial trade rumors around Yves Missi. Should the Pelicans run it back or start a hard reset? Get insider perspectives on the crucial roster decisions shaping the Pelicans’ future—and whether short-sighted moves will keep the team stuck in mediocrity.

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New Orleans Pelicans face a turning point as Ja Morant trade rumors spark debate: can star power alone revive a struggling franchise, or is a deeper rebuild the real solution? Questions surround Morant’s fit alongside Zion Williamson, his off-court issues, and the impact on rookie development—all with massive salary cap implications looming.

Jake Madison breaks down why Morant’s arrival could inject short-term excitement but might also clog the Pelicans’ financial future, block rookie progress, and fail to solve defensive or shooting woes. The episode covers potential trade packages, concerns with team culture, and New Orleans’ reluctance to embrace a patient rebuild. Is chasing a superstar the answer, or a distraction from addressing systemic problems? The upcoming salary cap situation and long-term team structure get examined as the Pelicans weigh risky moves against building sustainable success.

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New Orleans Pelicans spiral after crushing defeats to the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets, igniting debate over whether the trade deadline should mark a hard reset or a high-risk roster shakeup. As Jay Huff and the struggling Pacers expose the Pelicans’ weaknesses, doubt grows about the team’s belief in their current core and the viability of building around Zion Williamson.

Jake Madison spotlights the organization’s pivotal decision: pursue a bold move for Ja Morant, or accept a rebuild by leveraging assets like Herb Jones. Analysis covers the shortcomings of the two-timeline strategy, the impact of rookie struggles from Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, and looming salary cap constraints that threaten the team’s flexibility. With urgency lacking from the front office and tensions rising, fans are left to question whether New Orleans can define a clear path forward before the trade deadline closes.

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Quo

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Gametime

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FanDuel

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Jaren Jackson Jr. might look like the perfect blockbuster fix for the New Orleans Pelicans, but could his acquisition actually set the franchise back? Jake Madison breaks down why the former Defensive Player of the Year’s elite shot-blocking and floor-spacing don’t guarantee on-court success alongside Zion Williamson or recent draftee Derik Queen. With defensive rebounding woes, risky future draft capital, and a ballooning salary cap looming, the move isn’t as clear-cut as it seems.

Key talking points include the fit of Jackson Jr. as a center or power forward in New Orleans’ lineup, the rebounding challenges that persist even with added size, and the harsh reality of salary cap constraints that could limit team-building flexibility for years. Should the Pelicans risk it all, or would this trade create more problems than it solves? Get expert insight on New Orleans’ biggest trade rumor ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline.

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New Orleans Pelicans surge past the Brooklyn Nets with Trey Murphy III's explosive 34-point performance, proving his value as the late-game closer the team desperately needed. With Zion Williamson coming alive in the third quarter and Yves Missi injecting crucial energy off the bench, Jake Madison highlights how the Pelicans are redefining their closing strategy and carving out a new team identity.

Key topics include Murphy’s All-Star-caliber run, the impact of Saddiq Bey and Yves Missi on the Pelicans’ offensive rebounding and half-court play, and the ongoing struggle to solidify the starting lineup. Jake Madison poses a pressing question: Should New Orleans prioritize winning now or focus on developing rookies like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears as the playoffs slip further from reach? Don’t miss this sharp analysis of the Pelicans’ future and the pivotal choices facing the franchise.

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DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

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Wayfair

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Gametime

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FanDuel

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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