The NBA is considering a World Cup-style group format that could work out well for the New Orleans Pelicans depending on the match-ups.
The New Orleans Pelicans just want a chance to play meaningful games.
The NBA has discussed myriad options for re-starting the season, including a 16-team playoff, a playoff “plus” format, a play-in tournament and even a World Cup-style group format.
The last option might be the best for the Pelicans, as it would allow them a route to the playoffs, while potentially providing some unlikely and entertaining matchups.
In the group format proposed by the Ringer, there would be four groups of five teams that would each play each other twice. The top two teams would advance to the second round, which would then proceed as normal with seven game series.
This idea would be fair to the bubble teams, who would at least get a chance to play meaningful games, but could disadvantage teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, who would now have to play their way into the playoffs.
No one is going to be 100 percent satisfied, but this seems like one of the more equatable and exciting ways to get to the second round.
In the Ringer’s proposed groups, the Pelicans would face the Lakers, Heat, Rockets and Magic.
While it certainly won’t be easy, the New Orleans Pelicans would have a fighting chance in a World Cup-style tournament.
Here’s how they match up against the four proposed opponents.
The Orlando Magic (30-35)
The Magic had won three in a row heading into the hiatus and six of ten overall. The Magic were playing well, with group efforts in wins against the Rockets and Grizzlies just before the break.
The Magic don’t have a star, but have guys who know their roles, a potentially dangerous team if overlooked or underestimated.
The Magic won their only game against the Pelicans this season, with eight players in double figures, but the Pelicans were without Zion Williamson and playing much differently than they were in the weeks before the shutdown.
The Pelicans would need to keep Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevik off the boards, as they both had big games in the first match up.
The Pelicans were evolving into one of the better rebounding teams in the league after Zion’s return, so they should be able to neutralize the Magic’s bigs and take care of business.