Pelicans shootaround update presented by HUB International: Differential at foul line hurting New Orleans in close losses

Of the five NBA teams that have not registered a win entering Week 2 of the regular season, by nearly every statistical measurement, New Orleans has been the most competitive. For example, its net rating is better than three one-win clubs (via NBA.com). For the Pelicans to turn competent performances into victories, however, there are a few areas where they must improve, with the most significant perhaps being their discrepancy in free throws compared to opponents. Through three games, New Orleans has attempted 51 foul shots, but its foes have made 94 trips to the charity stripe. With the opposition also shooting an excellent 83 percent at the line, the Pelicans have been outscored by 37 points in that category alone.