New Orleans Pelicans fall short to the Denver Nuggets, raising tough questions about late-game execution and defensive effort. Without a reliable closer, the Pelicans struggle to fend off Jamal Murray's clutch scoring, while Trey Murphy racks up 31 points but can’t secure the win. Can the team find a dependable scorer when the pressure mounts, or will fourth quarter woes continue to haunt their playoff ambitions?

Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ most pressing issues: a glaring lack of clutch self-creation, porous defense—especially from Zion Williamson—and the steep learning curve for rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. The episode examines strategic lineups, highlights individual player development, and discusses how these recurring problems shape roster decisions. With insights on defensive buy-in and rookie struggles, Locked On Pelicans questions what’s next for New Orleans as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets.

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The states were about as big as it gets in New Orleans, and Zion Williamson and the Pelicans got a big win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Zion dominated the game for the Pels and Jake Madison explains why that, and this game, is a really big deal. Plus, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were held in check by Herb Jones. And Trey Murphy closed the game over CJ McCollum.

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Are the New Orleans Pelicans the most frustrating team? A loss to the Houston Rockets followed up by a big win has Jake Madison begging for consistency. Plus, he breaks down the adjustments that allowed Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas to all thrive.

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New Orleans Pelicans risk repeating the Atlanta Hawks’ biggest mistake: mistaking a brief surge for true contender status. Can the Pelicans avoid falling into the same trap that led Atlanta to years of mediocrity and the eventual loss of Trae Young for minimal return? Jake Madison draws sharp parallels between the Pelicans’ current optimism and the Hawks’ ill-fated post-2021 Conference Finals decisions, questioning whether New Orleans is overvaluing flashes of success while ignoring deeper roster and identity issues.

Key topics include Zion Williamson’s impact, the overestimation of rookie contributions from players like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, and the perils of chasing “win now” moves at the expense of long-term stability. Asset management missteps, the risky Jordan Poole acquisition, and looming luxury tax constraints take center stage as Jake Madison breaks down what the Pelicans must do to avoid getting stuck in an endless cycle of “almost.” Will New Orleans take an honest look in the mirror before it’s too late?

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Wayfair

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FanDuel

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New Orleans Pelicans fans get a glimpse of the future as Trey Murphy’s star-level leap and breakout performances from rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears fuel hope for the franchise. Can this young core help the Pelicans escape their roster woes and drive the team toward contention?

Jake Madison breaks down Trey Murphy’s expanded offensive arsenal, improved ball handling, and elevated rebounding that position him as a cornerstone piece for New Orleans. The analysis covers Derik Queen’s adaptability and high basketball IQ, Jeremiah Fears’ fearless approach at point guard, and impactful bench minutes from Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic. With flashes of on-court chemistry and questions about optimal lineup construction, the episode raises the stakes for New Orleans’ next moves. Will the Pelicans unlock their true potential with this emerging core, or is a bigger shakeup still needed?

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Zocdoc

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Wayfair

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Gametime

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FanDuel

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New Orleans Pelicans eye a game-changing future with major Smoothie King Center and Champions Square renovations—could this bold move transform how the city supports its NBA team? Jake Madison unpacks the organization's ambitious plans, spotlighting the push for a long-term lease to secure the franchise's future in New Orleans, and the potential for a revitalized sports and entertainment district to attract fans of all kinds.

Trade rumors swirl around Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, but national media just don’t get it—will the front office choose a rebuild or chase postseason dreams? Jake Madison tackles the team's self-awareness, what a proper rebuild requires, and where rookie big man Derik Queen truly fits in modern team-building strategy. Tune in for insights on roster moves, franchise direction, and what these shake-ups mean for Pelicans fans and the city’s NBA legacy.

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FanDuel

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New Orleans Pelicans unravel against the Atlanta Hawks as half-court offense stalls and roster inconsistencies pile up. Can the front office deliver the fixes this team desperately needs? Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and rookie Jeremiah Fears struggle to make an impact while missing key shooters like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones amplifies the team's lack of firepower.

Jake Madison scrutinizes the Pelicans' ongoing transition woes, questions the guard and center play, and explores why rookie point guard struggles are nothing new—citing stars like Darius Garland and De’Aaron Fox as proof of future potential. Insightful discussion centers on the opportunity costs of the controversial Jordan Poole trade versus Atlanta’s big move for Trae Young, raising doubts about New Orleans' front office decisions and their ability to build around Fears and Queen. Is optimism fading for the Pelicans’ rebuild?

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FanDuel

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New Orleans Pelicans squander Trey Murphy III's electrifying 42-point outburst in a fourth quarter collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers. Trade rumors swirl as roster flaws are exposed, raising urgent questions about the team’s future direction and front office decision-making.

Jake Madison spotlights Murphy's breakout performance, Derik Queen's promising moments, and issues with Zion Williamson's impact and Jordan Poole's struggles. Topics include Yves Missi's unexpected appearance in trade talks, center position woes, and the hotly debated CJ McCollum for Trae Young scenario. With the Pelicans on an eight-game losing streak, roster shake-ups loom. Will New Orleans blow it up or find a solution before the NBA trade deadline?

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Quo

Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

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Gametime

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FanDuel

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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