If the New Orleans Pelicans are going to be successful this year, they will have to wear teams down. Think of them as a potent run game in football as they may not run away from games often.
With Rajon Rondo having a sports hernia, NOLA will rely even more on their two big men. They started off the game sloppy with eight first-quarter turnovers. Seeming to be getting used to temporary life without Rondo, the offense struggled until the big three for the Pelicans returned with just three minutes left in the 2nd quarter.
Defensively, New Orleans had their moments but ultimately allowed Chicago to keep up for almost three quarters.