The New Orleans Pelicans are going to rely heavily on Brandon Ingram against the Raptors, but Jonas Valanciunas is going to be one of the keys in defusing Toronto’s preferred transition attack.
The Raptors are third in steals (9.3) and lead the NBA in fast break points per game (16.4).
Feeding Valanciunas on the inside might be the best option at curbing Toronto’s running ways, forcing them to guard the big man and use bodies to keep him off the glass.
In addition, the entire New Orleans team should look to pound the offensive boards.