New Orleans (27-39) hasn’t been deemed an underdog at home very often lately, but that will be the case Friday, when its hosts a Charlotte (32-35) team currently sporting a better record and much closer to full strength. With Brandon Ingram (hamstring) and CJ McCollum (health and safety protocols) out of the lineup, the Pelicans have a lot to overcome, particularly on offense. Ingram and McCollum average nearly 50 combined points per game this season.
Given the shorthanded nature of their lineup Friday, the Pelicans are emphasizing an aggressive mentality, embracing the unusual position of being given minimal hope of success by many NBA observers.