Virtually every NBA team these days is trying to figure out how to perform at a high level and win games despite missing key players. New Orleans played without its second- and third-leading scorers Thursday, but still managed to play enough defense and get enough production from various contributors to beat Orlando. The Pelicans held off a second-half push, posting a fourth consecutive victory. It is New Orleans’ first four-gamer since February of last season.
Pelicans second scorer Jonas Valanciunas (non-Covid illness) and No. 3 weapon Nickeil Alexander-Walker (health and safety protocols) missed their first games of 2021-22 after appearing in all 32 previous contests, but Brandon Ingram was outstanding and Josh Hart made big plays down the stretch, sparking New Orleans to a road win.