The New Orleans Pelicans have clawed their way back into playoff contention behind MVP-level play from Zion Williamson.
Zion has been spectacular lately and has put the young Pelicans on his back. Just a few weeks ago it looked like they were destined for the lottery, as they weren’t playing well and were heading into the most difficult 8-game stretch of the season.
But the Pels won five of those games are are now primed to make a run at the play-in tournament, as they are only 1.5 games back and still have games against the teams they are chasing.
The Pelicans have been better against good teams this season, which has to change if they are going to make a run, as only 12 of their remaining games are against teams currently in the playoffs.
This four-game stretch will be crucial for the New Orleans Pelicans, who cannot play down to their competition as they have done for most of the season.
New Orleans Pelicans’ schedule: The next four games are critical
The Pelicans next four games are all against teams they should beat:
- Orlando Magic
- Atlanta Hawks
- Houston Rockets
- Atlanta Hawks
The Magic have been one of the worst teams in the NBA this season and that was before they traded their two best players. The Houston Rockets are actively tanking, are just off a historic losing streak and have a bunch of disgruntled players.
The Atlanta Hawks, who the Pelicans will play twice, are the 6th seed in the awful East but still don’t have a winning record and have only won two more games than the Pelicans.
These are all teams the Pelicans can beat, and they need to, as the schedule gets tougher again after this with games against the Nets and 76ers.
The New Orleans Pelicans have lost most of their games this season to teams under .500 and they cannot afford to keep letting this happen if they want to make the playoffs.
Stan Van Gundy and his young team should be commended for continuing to battle after a poor start to the season but it will all be for nothing if they don’t take care of business against the mediocre and bad teams left on their schedule.