The New Orleans Pelicans are heading into the final six games of the season with a tenuous half game advantage over the Los Angeles Lakers for the 9th seed in the Western Conference.
Brandon Ingram is back from his hamstring injury and carried the Pelicans in their recent comeback win over the Lakers.
Zion Williamson has reportedly progressed to playing 3-on-3 and there is now a small glimmer of hope that he could return at some point this season.
Larry Nance Jr. was back in the lineup last night after missing a game, so the New Orleans Pelicans are getting close to full strength at the right time.
The team is playing well as a whole, and has gotten myriad contributions from just about everyone at different points in the season.
Trey Murphy III was huge in the win over the Lakers, continuing the Pels’ “next up” approach. Their bench hasn’t been consistently good as a unit all season but they’ve had guys like Jose Alvrado and Trey Murphy III step up recently.
Coach Willie Green has to be given a lot of credit (and should get some attention for coach of the year), as he has kept this team positive and ready throughout a lot of drama this season and has them playing their best at the right time.
Just about everyone is trending up for the Pelicans, which is what you want to see heading into a playoff-type atmosphere in Los Angeles on Friday.
So who is heading in the right direction in the home stretch? Let’s start with the bench.