The New Orleans Pelicans have used the All-Star break to re-tune their minds and bodies as they make a second half playoff push.
The New Orleans Pelicans should be thanking LeBron James. No, not for orchestrating Anthony Davis‘ exodus from New Orleans. Back in 2014, James lobbied NBA commissioner Adam Silver to extend the time after the break so players who have All Star weekend commitments can actually have a break as well. Coincidentally, the All Star break was in New Orleans that year. By the summer, the NBA agreed to this proposal and granted an eight day break in February for players.
This year that extended break seems to hold even more importance for the Pelicans. It gives All-Star forward Brandon Ingram extra time to recover from the ankle injury he suffered on February 6th against the Chicago Bulls. Ingram went on to miss the Pelicans next three games before heading into the break. During the All-Star game itself, Ingram had a limited role, only logging nine minutes and scoring two points on 1 of 4 shooting from the field. A healthy Ingram will be a must if the Pelicans have any shot of capturing the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
It also gives the players a chance to just get away from basketball. The grind of an 82-game season can be treacherous. The stress put on the mind and body is taxing to say the least. It was good to see guys like Jrue Holiday, who is asked to do so much on both ends of the court, be able to get away and spend time with family. Even veteran guys like J.J. Redick being able to focus on his podcast during the break will go a long way in refreshing him for the second half push.
With only 27 games remaining in the season, the New Orleans Pelicans remain 5.5 games behind the eighth seed Memphis Grizzlies. To make things more interesting is the fact the Pelicans have the easiest schedule remaining in the Western Conference. They will only have nine teams left on their schedule with winning records. The Grizzlies conversely have the toughest schedule moving forward. The Pelicans currently hold a 2-0 series lead this season against Memphis.
The All-Star break has given the New Orleans Pelicans a break at the right time. They resume their playoff push Friday when they take on the Portland Trailblazers. That begins a three game West Coast trip that ends with a showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s hoping the Pelicans have enough fuel in the tank to get them to the playoffs.