New Orleans Pelicans: 3 storylines to follow after All-Star Break

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 08: JJ Redick #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans have done an impressive job getting their season back on track, but with just about a third of the season left, they need to make a run.

While the All-Star weekend brings much-needed rest for players and coaches around the league, the New Orleans Pelicans really have to use this chance to stay in shape while catching their breath for a late-season playoff run.

Standing a significant 5.5 games out of the Western Conference Playoffs, the New Orleans Pelicans will really have to hustle if they want a chance to catch teams ahead of them in the race.

Thankfully, the Pelicans have the easiest remaining strength of schedule in the NBA, as the team will finally get an easier slate of competition after facing the hardest schedule in the league before the All-Star Break.

With 27 games left before the end of the regular season, there is a nice chunk of action left between now and when the final buzzer sounds on their 2019-2020 campaign.

One of the biggest storylines early in the season surrounding the job security of incumbent head coach Alvin Gentry. After the team started 6-22 and underwent a 13-game losing streak, many thought the Pelicans’ coach could be due for a mid-season canning.

Alvin Gentry off the hot seat for New Orleans Pelicans. light. Related Story

In the months since, the New Orleans Pelicans have recovered nicely, positioning themselves nicely for a playoff quest with well under half a season remaining.

Thanks in no small part to smart coaching choices, the Pelicans are averaging the most points per game in the league (119.3) since snapping their 13-game losing streak on Dec. 18 and are 17-10 over that span of time, a record that ties the Los Angeles Lakers‘ for eighth-best.

Though they’ll have the advantage of the schedule on their side, getting into the postseason is no small task. However, the addition of Zion Williamson is already paying dividends as the team continues to look sharp against opponents of all kinds.

Certainly, the overall development of the team’s talented core is crucial, but the New Orleans Pelicans still have a chance to do something special with their 2019-2020 season.

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