New Orleans Pelicans Schedule – How Tough is The Start?

The release of next season’s schedule has had every New Orleans Pelicans fan wondering how well they can really do. Getting off to good start is key for success this year.

As we have all heard the rumors, a poor start could lose DeMarcus Cousins in free agency and the Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in putting together a trade package for Anthony Davis.

Here are all Pelicans games to December:

Oct 18 – @ Memphis Grizzlies

Oct 20 – VS Golden State Warriors

Oct 22 – @ Los Angeles Lakers

Oct 24 – @ Portland Trailblazers

Oct 26 – @ Sacramento Kings

Oct 28 – VS Cleveland Cavaliers

Oct 30 – VS Orlando Magic

Nov 1 – VS Minnesota Timberwolves

Nov 3 – @ Dallas Mavericks

Nov 4 – @ Chicago Bulls

Nov 7 – @ Indiana Pacers

Nov 9 – @ Toronto Raptors

Nov 11 – VS Los Angeles Clippers

Nov 13 – VS Atlanta Hawks

Nov 15 – VS Toronto Raptors

Nov 17 – @ Denver Nuggets

Nov 20 – VS Oklahoma City Thunder

Nov 22 – VS San Antonio Spurs

Nov 24 – @ Phoenix Suns

Nov 25 – @ Golden State Warriors

Nov 29 – VS Minnesota Timberwolves

How do I see them faring?

Looking at that start, my initial reaction is, it looks tough. Facing Golden State twice will more than likely result in 2 defeats. Starting in Memphis is never an easy place to win, so if they were to lose there and against the Warriors a 0-2 start looks probable.

Then, they are on a road trip to the Lakers, Trailblazers, and Kings. They need to go 2-1 on this mini road trip, with the hardest game in Portland. However, a new Lakers squad at the Staples Center and Cousins returning to Sacramento could throw up some results we are not expecting.

The Pelicans then return home for 3 games against the Cavs, Magic, and Timberwolves, which will be tough, but I would see that going 2-1. A defeat against the Cavs and a victory against the Magic, the match up against the Timberwolves could go either way, but I am optimistic the Pelicans will pull through.

After that is a key road trip against the Mavericks, Bulls, Pacers, and Raptors. The first 3 teams are weak in their respective conferences, with the Raptors being a tough final game. The Pelicans, I believe, should go 3-1 on this trip.

Then they return to the Smoothie King Center to face the Clippers, Hawks, and Raptors. With home advantage against a weakened Clippers and Hawks team, and a final tough game against the Raptors, which they should still win, I see this going 3-0.

The final 6 games in November are tough, including Golden State (again), the Spurs, OKC, Timberwolves, Suns and the Nuggets. Realistically I see this going 2-4. This is a tough stretch, but they should beat the Suns and I see them picking up another W.

Next: The Pelicans improved their bench this summer

Where does this leave The New Orleans Pelicans?

Overall, this would put them at 12-9, which would be a solid start to the campaign. Now I know I am biased, so even if they were to lose one or two games more than I am predicting, being around .500 would be a positive start. This should keep the playoffs in touching distance, which is important even at just the early stage of the season. If the New Orleans Pelicans do not start well and fall below .400 or worse, I fear it will cause unrest, not only with the fans but with the players, front office and coaching staff.