A Tough Road Awaits The New Orleans Pelicans As They Return From All-Star Break
By Mark Nilon
Coming into this years NBA All-Star break the New Orleans Pelicans had won three of their four contests prior. With this, they managed to reach a 31-26 record and are the current residents of the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Ending the first act of the 2017-18 season on a high-note was a much needed confidence boost for a team that has seen its fair share of tumultuous events transpire in just the last four months. Now, heading into act two, starting off on the right foot is a key for success during their final 25 contests. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, the first week of their return to action is littered in what should be competitive matchup’s against some of the best teams the game has to offer.
New Orleans is looking to make a playoff push. Since the 2014-15 season, the postseason in the Big Easy has been all but a pipe dream due to injuries and various other ailments. Though this season has seen its fair share of hardships, the Pelicans still find themselves vying for the postseason.
As it currently stands, NOLA sits at the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 31-26. Although being five games over .500 generally is a good place to be in the NBA, with the competitive fire out West, it’s simply considered “average.” Right now, every game has a major impact on the Pelicans in the conferences standings. One win could potentially bump them up to the sixth seed in the standings. One loss could see them fall out of the playoff picture entirely. With this in mind, every game from here on out should be considered a “must win” for New Orleans. Unfortunately for them, however, the immediate future looks a tad bit challenging.
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In their first week back from the All-Star break, the Pelicans need to come out firing on all cylinders. The week will consist of three of four opponents who currently are in the running for the postseason. This list includes the likes of Miami, Milwaukee and the always intimidating San Antonio Spurs.
Generally speaking, teams are susceptible to getting off to a slow start post All-Star break. This cannot be a reality for the New Orleans Pelicans. If they wish to make the postseason, they MUST come out looking as though they haven’t missed a step.
As previously alluded to, the Western Conference is filled with competition. Aside from the sure fire franchises who will be playing come April (Rockets, Warriors and Spurs), the rest of the playoff spots are up for grabs. The difference between the eighth seeded Pelicans and the fifth seeded Thunder is a mere two wins. The difference between NOLA and the 10th seeded Utah Jazz is just one win. Hell, even the 11th seeded Los Angeles Lakers have a shot of making the playoffs in the Western Conference. Although it seems unlikely, yes it’s still a possibility.
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With these truths in mind, New Orleans cannot take any game lightly. A win has a large impact on the teams playoff chances, and a loss holds even larger implications. It’s much easier to maintain the position you’re currently in rather than trying to fight your way into one. To lend aid to their postseason push the Pelicans must come out running this week. The schedule looks to get easier as time goes on, but as of right now, the immediate future looks to be a competition.