New Orleans looks to end five-game losing streak as Brooklyn tries to build momentum at home
The New Orleans Pelicans bring a five-game losing streak into Saturday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, with both teams desperately searching for consistency in what has been a challenging season for each franchise.
New Orleans enters the game with a 3-20 record, while Brooklyn sits at 5-17, making this an important opportunity for either team to gain some momentum heading into the heart of the season.
Pelicans struggling without their star
The Pelicans have faced an uphill battle without Zion Williamson, who remains sidelined until late December with an adductor injury. The absence of their franchise player has forced others to step up, and Trey Murphy III has answered the call in impressive fashion.
Murphy delivered a standout performance earlier this week, pouring in 33 points during a heartbreaking 149-142 overtime loss to Minnesota. His ability to shoulder the scoring load during Williamson’s two extended absences this season has been crucial for New Orleans, even if the results have not always gone their way.
The Pelicans have dropped two games in overtime during their current skid, showing they can compete but struggling to close out tight contests. Rookie Derik Queen has emerged as another bright spot, recording 21 points in a recent outing as the No. 13 overall pick from Maryland continues to thrive with expanded responsibilities.
Nets leaning on youth movement
Brooklyn has committed to developing its young core this season, though the results have been inconsistent. The Nets have found success primarily when specific players deliver big performances, but sustainable winning has remained elusive.
Michael Porter Jr. has been central to Brooklyn’s limited success this year. Every victory for the Nets has come when Porter scores 30 or more points, highlighting both his importance and the team’s lack of balance. His recent back issues add another layer of concern, though he is available for Saturday’s contest.
With Porter healthy, Brooklyn has won two of its last three games. The lone loss in that stretch came Thursday when he sat out, resulting in a 123-110 defeat to Utah despite promising individual performances from several young players.
Young players showing promise
Noah Clowney led the Nets with 29 points in Thursday’s loss, while Ziaire Williams contributed 23. Rookies Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf added 17 and 12 points respectively, demonstrating the potential of Brooklyn’s developing roster.
For the Nets’ rebuild to gain real traction, they will need more complete performances from their entire rotation rather than relying on one or two players to carry the offensive load each night.
Key factors for Saturday’s matchup
Porter’s health and production: Brooklyn needs another strong showing from Porter to extend their recent success at home.
Murphy’s continued emergence: The Pelicans guard must maintain his scoring pace to keep New Orleans competitive.
Bench contributions: Both teams need secondary players to step up and provide consistent support.
Defensive execution: Neither team has been particularly strong defensively this season, so the squad that makes stops down the stretch should prevail.
Home court advantage: Brooklyn playing at Barclays Center could provide the slight edge needed in what projects to be a close game.
Injury report impacts both rosters
New Orleans will be without several key contributors. Herbert Jones, Jordan Poole, Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray are all ruled out, while Yves Missi is listed as game-time decision.
Brooklyn also deals with absences as Cam Thomas and Haywood Highsmith remain out. Noah Clowney carries a game-time decision tag after his strong performance Thursday.
Game prediction
Brooklyn’s healthier roster and home court advantage should provide enough of an edge to secure a victory, though New Orleans’ young players have shown they can keep games competitive even in difficult circumstances.
The Pelicans will push hard to snap their losing streak, but the Nets should have enough firepower to pull away in the final minutes.
Final prediction: Nets 118, Pelicans 114
How to watch Pelicans vs Nets
Saturday’s game tips off at 5:00 PM Eastern from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Local broadcasts air on YES Network and Gulf Coast Sports.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the game on NBA League Pass through Amazon Prime Video, which offers a seven-day free trial. Amazon also provides a discounted subscription starting at $12.74 for the first two months before increasing to $16.99 monthly. The subscription includes access to NBA TV programming.
Fans interested in following just one team can purchase a Team Pass for $13.99 per month, providing access to all games for their chosen franchise.