The New Orleans Pelicans are rolling after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 123-95. Now, all eyes on are Minnesota as they face Denver tonight.
The New Orleans Pelicans still have a shot to move up in the Western Conference standings. Tonight, the Pelicans could find themselves in the seventh place depending on the outcome of the Minnesota, Denver game. Minnesota holds the tie-breaker having won all four regular-season meetings against the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans and Minnesota have 44 wins this season. Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Utah have 45. San Antonio has lost two in a row after falling in Los Angeles against the Lakers last night in overtime 122-112. The Pelicans are leading the season series against the Spurs 2-1 with their last meeting coming next Wednesday.
The Pelicans winning their remaining games is a must. However, Minnesota, San Antonio, and OKC losing important games will help the Pelicans tremendously. Minnesota’s next game is tonight against Denver in Colorado.
Sizing up the remaining NBA schedule
The Timberwolves will once again be without Jimmy Butler, who is still recovering from a repaired meniscus tear in his right knee. With Minnesota having the exact same record as New Orleans, a loss would move New Orleans into the seventh place spot.
Oklahoma City and San Antonio are off until Saturday. OKC will travel to Houston to face the Rockets and San Antonio will host the Portland Trailblazers. Assuming that New Orleans wins against Phoenix on Friday, Minnesota losses tonight.
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These two games could result in New Orleans being the sixth or fifth seed by the end of Saturday. Keep in mind the Pelicans travel to Oakland to play Golden State for the final time on Saturday as well.
The Utah Jazz is in the driver’s seat of the number four seed in the Western Conference with 33 losses. They’ll face the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. The Clippers are on the outside looking in as they have yet to be officially eliminated from playoff contention.
The Clippers are 42-36 with four games to go, including a clash with the Pelicans on Monday. However, a loss tonight and a loss at Denver on Saturday could prove to be the K.O. for the Clippers.
Let’s review, tonight the Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Denver Nuggets. The Pelicans will move to the seventh spot with a Denver win. The Utah Jazz will also host the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. If Utah losses against the Clippers, Utah will remain in fourth place because they own the tie-breaker over San Antonio.
Tomorrow night, the Pelicans will play the Phoenix Suns in Arizona. The Pelicans must win this game to keep the pressure on Minnesota. Minnesota will be in Los Angeles to face the Lakers.
Everyone should have Saturday night circled on their calendar
Saturday night might be the most entertaining night in NBA history. There will be four critical Western Conference matchups which will shape the landscape of the playoffs. Denver will face the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City will face Houston, New Orleans will face Golden State, and San Antonio will face Portland.
The only thing we won’t know is if Houston, Portland, and Golden State will give star players the night off. As all three teams are solidified in their playoff positions. Still, the pressure to win will weigh in on the teams still fighting to get a first-round shot.
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If you are the Pelicans and you are mapping your quest to the first-round of the NBA playoffs. You want either that fifth or fourth seed. The idea of avoiding a possible first-round clash with Houston and Golden State is key to success in the postseason. Not because the Pelicans can’t hang with these teams. But rather to ensure the Pelicans get a strong chance to make the second-round.