This game brings two different scoring structures into contact. New Orleans can put Zion Williamson at the rim, while Brooklyn can use both perimeter and interior finishers. The key exchange comes after the first shot, when each defense has to end the possession.
Zion scored efficiently against the Clippers, yet New Orleans still gave up a large outside scoring run. Brooklyn has Michael Porter Jr. on the perimeter, Julius Randle inside and Day'Ron Sharpe to pass and rebound. Those roles give the Nets several ways to answer Zion's paint pressure and test a Pelicans defense that has struggled to finish stops.
New Orleans is missing Yves Missi and Mathurin, who played in its most recent game. Murphy scored heavily against the Clippers and is now listed as doubtful, reducing a separate outside finishing route. Brooklyn has had more rest, and its frontcourt can press the possession battle through the middle quarters.
Porter and Randle's distinct scoring, together with Sharpe's work on the glass, make Brooklyn's route persuasive across a close game. I'm siding with the Nets to win.
