How 22 Team Plan Affects Pelicans’ Playoff Chances

The Path to the Playoffs

For the Pelicans, this plan is very exciting. They currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 28-36, 3.5 games behind the 8th seeded Grizzlies. The best part is that just 2.5 games separate the teams placed 9-13. The 9th, 10th, and 11th teams are essentially tied, with Trail Blazers ahead by .001 in win percentage. Anything could happen with these teams neck and neck with eight games remaining in the race for 8th and 9th seed.

Playoff Competition

Looking at the competition it seems the Pelicans have two teams they really need to look out for. Since the Spurs recently lost Lamarcus Aldridge for the season they are not on of those teams. First, the Portland Trail Blazers. A team that has seriously under-performed this season with an All-Star player in CJ McCollum, and of course the superstar Damian Lillard who always shows up in the clutch. Last season Portland made it to the Western Conference Finals, so they are a team that knows the Playoffs. The Pelicans have one of the youngest groups in the league, making playoff experience a weakness. Second, the Sacramento Kings, a team that seems to continue to surprise everyone. They are a hungry and deep team with a mix of young and veteran talent. 

Pelicans as Underdogs

The Pelicans were overlooked all season and had some extremely low points such as a 13 game losing streak in December. After the streak, however, they finished strong with a record of 19-11 in their reaming games. Coming into the final stretch of the season the Pelicans were red hot. Their few losses mostly came against very good teams, by small margins. It is also important to note that their second-highest scorer Zion Williamson has played just 20 games with them. Who knows what this team has in store for these final games of the season in Orlando?

Conclusion

They’re inexperienced and young, but every great team has to start somewhere and the Pelicans are ready for the playoffs. Coming off a great ending to the season, the Pelicans have the ability to tear through these last 8 games and make a statement. They have the motivation, the coaching, and certainly the talent to turn heads of NBA fans across the country in August.

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