The NBA has not yet released the final schedules for Orlando, but there are three teams who could ruin the New Orleans Pelicans chances of making the playoffs.
It is almost certain that the New Orleans Pelicans will play the Grizzlies and Kings twice and the Spurs once.
Memphis is the team they are chasing and they have to stay ahead of the Kings and Spurs to have a chance at the play-in series for the 8th seed.
The Pelicans know they need to take care of business in these games to have a chance at the playoffs. Win them all, and they are probably getting in, lose the majority and the Pelicans will find themselves in the lottery watching the playoffs from home.
But there is a trio of teams that the Pelicans will have to face that are not part of their division or the race for the 8th seed, and if the Pels overlook any of them, they’ll be going home disappointed.
Here are three teams that could be a blockade for the Pelicans at NBA Disney.
The Orlando Magic Could be a Problem for the New Orleans Pelicans
Orlando Magic
The Pelicans played the Magic just once this season, losing 130-119 in a game where Orlando had eight players in double figures.
This is the Magic’s modus operandi, as they don’t have a superstar, but a do have a group of solid players that play well as a team.
Of course, this game was played before the return of Zion Williamson, so the Pelicans have upgraded substantially since then. But this doesn’t mean they can take Orlando lightly.
The Magic were playing well heading into the hiatus, winning six of ten with impressive victories over the Rockets and Grizzlies just before the suspension of play.
The Pels will have to do a good job of keeping Nikola Vucevic off the offensive glass, and Markelle Fultz and D.J. Augustin from getting into the lane.
The Pels should be able to lock up the Magic guards, so it might come down to points in the paint, an area of weakness defensively for the Pels.
The Pelicans can’t overlook the Magic and lose what might be the final game of the regular season, and the difference between getting a shot at the 8th seed.