The New Orleans Pelicans still hold the fourth spot despite losing their last two games. This week could prove to be a challenge for the Pelicans.
The Pelicans are feeling the lingering effects of March Madness as they are currently in a race to make a different tournament. The NBA Playoffs are calling, and the Pelicans have an opportunity to not only make the dance but, they’ll also have a chance to host the first round from the Big Easy.
This weekend was a challenge for the Pelicans as they dropped two in a row. On Friday, the Washington Wizards bested the Pelicans 116-97 behind Otto Potter Jr. having a 19 point scoring night.
Of course, not having Anthony Davis in the lineup was an element that gave the Wizards the potion to win. However, Jrue Holiday having just four points on eight total shots isn’t ideal either.
Sunday’s game against the Jazz would be a somewhat similar story. Anthony Davis would return to the lineup and earn his first career triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks. It’s also worth noting that Sunday was also his 25th birthday. However, the Jazz would get the win 116-99.
The Pelicans upcoming games include the Spurs and Rockets.
These two losses were tough losses. However, the Pelicans have Charlotte on Tuesday, San Antonio on Thursday, and a tough back-to-back starting Saturday against Houston. This is the stretch of games that could prove dire for the Pelicans.
Charlotte is coming off a 122-115 win against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Nicolas Batum and Dwight Howard combined for 59 points for the Hornets. The Hornets are 10 games out of a playoff spot and unlikely to make the postseason. Charlotte appears to be in the hunt for a new GM. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Charlotte has started to obtain permission interview for new GM positions.
Charlotte has been a middle of the conference team for a long time. They’ve collected enough talent to warrant a playoff run, however, they simply aren’t a consistent playoff team. The last time Charlotte made the second round of the playoffs was the 2002 season.
The Turmoil in San Antonio is a huge plus for the Pelicans
The San Antonio Spurs will face the Pelicans on Thursday in San Antonio. The Spurs are coming off a tough loss in Oklahoma City on Saturday night 104-94.
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The big news coming from the game on Thursday is the Spurs could have Kawhi Leonard return to his first action since January. The Spurs Leonard saga has somewhat resembled the Chicago Bulls- Derrick Rose saga from his lingering injury from the 2012-13 season.
Make no mistake the Spurs are still a dangerous team. However, this situation with Leonard does weaken the Spurs. It takes away from the “well-oiled machine” vibe the Spurs have projected over the years.
Next: AD gets triple-double, Jazz get the win
The Pelicans should consider themselves lucky that Davis’ rolled ankle against Sacramento wasn’t serious. They’ll need Davis, and the rest of the team to play grit and grind basketball to keep their playoff hopes alive.