Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans stumble against the Detroit Pistons as defensive breakdowns, transition defense woes, and a lack of size at center expose their ceiling. Jalen Duren dominates with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and rim protection that leaves the Pelicans shooting just 44.8% at the rim. Missed free throws and lost fast-break opportunities add to the frustration—can the Pelicans truly compete without...

New Orleans Pelicans face a season of regret after missing playoff contention, igniting hard questions about wasted opportunities and organizational missteps. Jake Madison spotlights a cascade of “what-if” scenarios: what if Willie Green hadn’t started the year as head coach, and would bold front office choices have shifted the season’s outcome? With $50 million burning a hole on the bench and vet...

New Orleans Pelicans crash out of the play-in race, but Jeremiah Fears’ breakout performance against the New York Knicks sparks hope for the future. Is Fears ready to seize the lead guard role and reshape the team’s trajectory next season?   Jake Madison breaks down Fears’ electric 21-point game, the impact of his improved decision-making and shooting, and how his emergence could change the Pelica...

Herb Jones proves box scores can be deceiving—his modest stats disguise a game-changing impact on the New Orleans Pelicans' win column. With Jones anchoring the defense, the Pelicans post a 49-win pace, as Jake Madison spotlights how James Borrego’s new offense lets Jones excel. Can the Pelicans’ starting lineup, built around Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, and a potential new cente...

James Borrego positions himself as the ideal next head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, proving he can maximize a flawed roster and secure Zion Williamson’s buy-in to a less ball-dominant role. Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans’ narrow 111-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, spotlighting Borrego’s tactical adjustments, the emergence of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, and Herb Jon...

New Orleans Pelicans grind out a crucial win over the Los Angeles Clippers—growth is evident, but is this squad ready for a serious playoff push next season? Jake Madison spotlights defensive lapses, Dejounte Murray's fiery impact, and the evolving leadership of coach James Borrego. Will upgrading the center position raise the Pelicans' ceiling, or will complacency keep them stuck in play-in purga...

New Orleans Pelicans face franchise-defining decisions as NBA expansion looms. With only eight players eligible for protection in the upcoming expansion draft, tough calls on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Saddiq Bay could reshape the roster’s future. Jake Madison explores the complexities of contract extensions, potential casualties, and why front office foresight is crucial as...

New Orleans Pelicans silence the Dallas Mavericks with Zion Williamson’s near-perfect 27-point performance. Can this revitalized roster weather injuries and push for a top playoff spot?   Jake Madison breaks down how James Borrego’s fast substitutions turned a sluggish start into a dominant win, spotlighting off-ball movement and bench impact from Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi. The conversation co...

New Orleans Pelicans shake up their season with DeJounte Murray's explosive 35-point night and revitalized leadership. Can Murray's energy and defensive prowess anchor a late surge and transform the team's trajectory in the crowded Western Conference? The new starting lineup featuring Murray, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Trey Murphy boasts a stellar +15 net rating, offering renewed...

New Orleans Pelicans showcase long-missing resilience with a gritty 122-111 win over the Toronto Raptors, powered by Dejounte Murray’s electrifying crossover and clutch shooting from Trey Murphy. Jake Madison spotlights how the Pelicans answered back after blowing an 18-point lead, highlighting the fight, tenacity, and spark that have eluded the team all season. The return of Brandon Ingram to New...

New Orleans Pelicans face a franchise-defining crossroads as the coaching search heats up—will James Borrego provide the stability the team needs, or is a bold move on the horizon? Jake Madison questions if sticking with Borrego is simply the “safe” or “cheap” choice, as front office priorities and spending reluctance shape the search. The episode digs into potential alternatives like Darvin Ham,...

Zion Williamson and Jeremiah Fears give the New Orleans Pelicans a boost with stronger rim finishing and steady offensive progress. Could improved shot conversion help the team limit fast break points and raise their competitive ceiling for next season?   Jake Madison explains the link between Williamson’s efficient scoring and the Pelicans’ reduced opponent fast break opportunities, noting how Fe...

New Orleans Pelicans cruise past the Washington Wizards with 47 free throw attempts, but something still feels missing. Can the Pelicans find the intensity and smart play needed for a true playoff push?   Jake Madison breaks down the Pelicans' strange victory, spotlighting standout performances from Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy. The episode questions the team's lack of dominance an...

New Orleans Pelicans shake off a sluggish start to defeat the Sacramento Kings 133-123, thanks to a massive energy boost from Jeremiah Fears and a dominant closing effort by Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy. Can this squad find their consistency and make Pelicans fans believe again?   Jake Madison breaks down the impact of the Pelicans’ bench, spotlighting Karlo Matkovic’s shot-blocking, Bryce McGo...

New Orleans Pelicans face a hard ceiling as their poor three-point shooting stalls Zion Williamson and Derik Queen’s offense—can new additions or internal development solve the problem before next season? Jake Madison breaks down how the team’s inability to space the floor stifled crunch-time execution against the Los Angeles Lakers and explains why shooting could be the missing ingredient for the...

New Orleans Pelicans roll out a bold small-ball lineup with Zion Williamson and Herb Jones at the 5, but a brutal fourth-quarter collapse against the Los Angeles Lakers exposes key complications. Can this revamped starting five become playoff-ready, or did their offensive confusion and lack of shooting spell bigger problems moving forward?   Jake Madison breaks down the highs and lows of the Pelic...

New Orleans Pelicans face a crossroads as Zion Williamson declares New Orleans “home” and showcases a renewed commitment on and off the court. Is playing 35 consecutive games enough to secure his long-term spot, or does his inconsistent defense and fit alongside Derik Queen threaten the Pelicans’ playoff hopes? Jake Madison tackles the dilemma: does loving the city matter if Zion’s on-court impact...

New Orleans Pelicans falter in a pivotal showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers, raising big questions about their playoff readiness. Turnovers piled up and pick-and-roll defense crumbled, exposing glaring weaknesses for a roster that has recently focused on making a postseason push. Can the Pelicans regroup in time, or is their path to the play-in tournament slipping away?   Jake Madison analy...

New Orleans Pelicans crush Utah Jazz as Saddiq Bey dominates with a 42-point showcase. Is Bey the franchise cornerstone New Orleans needs for a playoff surge?   Jake Madison spotlights Bey’s clutch fourth-quarter heroics and growing impact on the Pelicans’ game plan. Insights include Zion Williamson’s strategic use as a gravity creator, DeJounte Murray’s evolving playmaking, and James Borrego’s ef...

New Orleans Pelicans bench Derik Queen and shake up their starting lineup, signaling a bold win-now mentality. Dejounte Murray’s on-court return and social media confirmation reinforce the franchise’s push for a postseason spot, even as Jeremiah Fears and Queen are relegated to lesser roles. Is development taking a backseat to immediate playoff aspirations, and could this aggressive strategy backf...

New Orleans Pelicans snag a gritty 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors, fueled by Dejounte Murray’s dramatic return and clutch plays. Has Murray’s comeback sparked a turnaround for the Pelicans, or are deeper roster questions looming?   Jake Madison highlights Bryce McGowEns’ game-changing bench performance, Saddiq Bey’s composure under late-game pressure, and strategic shifts with Derik Qu...

The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the worst defensive teams in the league and it starts with their star player Zion Williamson and prized rookie Derik Queen. Jake Madison looks at what is causing defensive breakdowns, how Yves Missi could be the answer, and how the Pels need to make a big change in the front court next season.   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodc...

New Orleans Pelicans shake up their starting lineup as DeAndre Jordan delivers a commanding performance, sparking questions about lineup chemistry and defensive accountability. Can this bold move by James Borrego unlock the Pelicans’ true potential and address their season-long rebounding woes?   Jake Madison examines the impact of Jordan's rim protection and physicality, dissecting how the frontc...

Dejounte Murray's impending return signals a pivotal audition for the New Orleans Pelicans' future. With guard play lacking and Murray's trade value at stake, Jake Madison explores whether Murray can steady the rotation, boost clutch performance, and shape offseason decisions. Can Murray’s presence transform the lineup with Zion Williamson, Derrick Queen, and Trey Murphy III, or will New Orleans s...

New Orleans Pelicans face tough questions as Zion Williamson’s trade value remains stagnant—even after a stretch of healthy play. Can the franchise build a winning core around Williamson and rookie Derik Queen, or are defensive weaknesses and a lack of shooting holding the roster back? Jake Madison breaks down Zion’s recent performances, why NBA teams remain wary of max contracts for offense-only...