Pelicans Catch Fire Behind Rookie Duo and Strategic Shifts, Eye Sixth Straight Win in Cleveland
Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Pelicans - once buried at the bottom of the standings - are suddenly the hottest team in the NBA. Riding a five-game win streak, the Pelicans have flipped the script on their season and are heading into Cleveland with momentum, confidence, and a fast-paced identity that’s starting to turn some heads.
At 8-22, New Orleans isn’t exactly knocking on the playoff door just yet, but they've found a formula that’s clicking. Interim head coach James Borrego has injected life into this young squad with an uptempo offense that plays to the strengths of his emerging stars - and it's working. The Pelicans are flying up and down the court, and the results are starting to show in the win column.
Rookie Duo Leading the Charge
The catalysts? Two rookies who are quickly making their case for Rookie of the Year consideration: Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.
Queen, in particular, made a statement in the Pelicans’ latest win, slightly outshining ROY frontrunner Cooper Flagg in a head-to-head matchup that felt like a glimpse into the league’s future. Queen filled the stat sheet with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block in 34 minutes of action. Flagg wasn’t far behind with 16 points, 6 boards, 6 assists, a block, and a steal of his own in 35 minutes - but Queen’s all-around impact helped tip the scales in New Orleans’ favor.
It’s not just the numbers - it’s how they’re getting them. Queen is showing poise beyond his years, facilitating offense from the elbow, crashing the glass, and making plays on both ends. Fears has been a steady presence as well, giving the Pelicans a backcourt spark and showing flashes of elite shot creation.
Zion Embracing New Role - and Thriving
Another major development in the Pelicans’ resurgence has been the strategic use of Zion Williamson. Borrego has shifted the former All-Star into a bench role - not as a demotion, but as a way to maximize his impact in key moments. It paid off in a big way Monday night.
With the game on the line against Dallas, Zion took over. He scored 10 straight points in a crucial fourth-quarter stretch, serving as the closer in a 119-113 win. He’s playing fewer than 30 minutes per night now, but those minutes are high-leverage, and he’s delivering.
The big question heading into tonight’s matchup with Cleveland: will Zion suit up on the second night of a back-to-back? All signs point to yes. He wasn’t listed on the injury report as of Tuesday afternoon, suggesting he’ll be available to keep the Pelicans’ streak alive.
Cavs Looking to Regain Early-Season Form
On the other side, the Cavaliers are trying to steady the ship after a strong start to the season. Cleveland opened the year with promise but has cooled off significantly, now sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 16-14 record. Since late November, the Cavs have gone just 2-3 in their last five games, and consistency has been elusive.
Still, they’re coming off a high-scoring win of their own - a 139-132 shootout over Charlotte, where Donovan Mitchell poured in 30 points to lead the way. When Mitchell gets hot, Cleveland can hang with anyone, but the defense has been shaky, and that’s something the Pelicans’ fast-paced attack will look to exploit.
Play-In Within Reach?
It wasn’t long ago that the Pelicans were dead last in the league. Now, they’re just four games out of the final Play-In Tournament spot. With a mostly healthy roster and a new identity taking shape, the climb doesn’t feel impossible anymore.
Borrego’s rotations are starting to settle, the rookies are growing up fast, and Zion’s role as a late-game weapon is giving New Orleans a new edge. It’s early, but the Pelicans are starting to resemble a team that believes it can make some noise.
Injury Report
New Orleans will be without Herb Jones, who’s sidelined with a right ankle sprain suffered in the win over Dallas. Jordan Poole is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness, and Dejounte Murray remains out. Two-way players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are also unavailable.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network. Keep an eye on this one - the Pelicans are heating up, and the league is starting to take notice.