If you're the gambling type and want to make some quick cash, you should take the over on DraftKings' latest win total projections for the New Orleans Pelicans. DraftKings released its win projections for every NBA team heading into the 2025-26 season, with the Pelicans' line set at 32.5.
That's just slightly over a 10-win increase from the year prior, which is odd considering the Pelicans were depleted with injuries last season and have also made serious roster improvements from the previous season. Context is everything, and with the Pelicans' last season, the context was that everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. Between injuries, players dealing with personal issues, and even the front office being clueless, the Pelicans were a dumpster fire last season.
This seems like free money
I don't see a world where this team wins fewer than 35 games, even if injuries arise. Last year, only two teams in the West won fewer than 34 games, the Pelicans and Jazz. The Jazz just put together a poor roster and were clearly tanking. The Pelicans dealt with numerous injuries, so they had to roster 25 different players. While the Jazz may be in the same spot next year, looking to tank for a higher draft pick, New Orleans will be entirely focused on competing and making the playoffs in the West.
Although the Western Conference is often viewed as an absolute dogfight, where every game is competitive, that doesn't hurt the Pelicans. They are built for that with a core of Jordan Poole, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, Kevon Looney, Yves Missi, Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Hawkins, and Derik Queen. They will be competing in virtually every game next season.
I also haven't mentioned Dejounte Murray yet, who is part of that core but will miss the first part of the season due to an Achilles injury. However, when he returns, he will be focused on one thing: winning and getting this group into the playoffs. Even for Zion Williamson, this is a critical year for his future in NOLA. If this group fails, I doubt Dumars will hesitate to finally be the one to pull the plug and move on from Z.
The Pelicans don't have a perfect roster by any means; they are probably going to struggle defensively and may not be the most elite three-point shooting team. However, after a disastrous 2024-25, Joe Dumars has come in and put together a competitive team, and having their preseason projection set at 32.5 wins is laughable.