Ten days ago, the New Orleans Pelicans were smashed by the Hornets inside the Smoothie King Center, 142-120. What can we expect in the second go-around between these two teams in Charlotte?
Although their 12-9 record places them in more mediocre territory (12th), the advanced stats say that the Pelicans have been seventh-best team (+6.1 net rating) in the league since the start of February. They’ve been quite good on both ends of the court, with the offense and defense each ranking eighth.
What’s the easiest way to explain the discrepancy?