Pelicans Face a Close, Wild Finish in the NBA West

The New Orleans Pelicans will face stiff competition in the Western Conference to finish the season.

Terry Kimble | Feb 22, 2023

Pelicans Face a Close, Wild Finish in the NBA West /

In this story:

New Orleans Pelicans

Even though it's past the halfway point for the New Orleans Pelicans, the All-Star break marks a rest and regroup mindset for most NBA teams. With about a third of the season remaining, the Pelicans can position themselves for another potential playoff run. To do so, they must navigate the wild Western Conference.

Despite losing 12 of their last 16 games before the break, New Orleans finds themselves with their best record heading into All-Star weekend in over five years. They also have the 3rd-easiest schedule left, with their remaining opponents only having a .473 winning percentage currently.

Pelicans Brandon Ingram closely guarded by Lakers Troy Brown. — Feb 15, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Troy Brown Jr. (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans were not major movers during the trade deadline, only moving off Devonte' Graham to the Spurs for Josh Richardson. While most viewed this as a salary dump to avoid luxury tax next season, Richardson has shown promise in his two games with the Pelicans. In his Pels debut, he finished with 10 points and a game-high five steals, which tied him for a franchise record.

Still, other teams in the West made moves that directly may impact the balance of power. On paper, Kevin Durant teaming up with Devin Booker and Chris Paul in Phoenix makes them the leaders for the NBA title. Kyrie Irving joining forces with Luka Doncic in Dallas makes them scary good offensively.

Then you have Russell Westbrook going down the hallway to play with the rival Clippers and even the Lakers making moves to improve their roster. The point is the West looks like a murderous row coming down at the end of the season.

Jan 24, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) fights for position against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Seeding will be of utmost importance come playoff time, and now the race is as tight as it's been in recent memory. Only four games separate the 3rd seed from the 10th seed in the West. The Pelicans need to be more careful about going on a prolonged slide like earlier this year when they lost ten straight games. Currently, they are in the seventh spot, which, if that holds, means they will again participate in the play-in tournament.

To make matters worse, New Orleans is still without All-Star forward Zion Williamson for the foreseeable future. Williamson, who injured his hamstring Jan 2 against the 76ers, recently reaggravated it, and his timeline for return is unknown.

Zion is having an All-NBA caliber season averaging 26 points on over 60% shooting from the field. He was voted an All-Star starter for the first time in his career this season.

Like last season the onus will be on CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram to lead the way until Zion Williamson can return. Ingram, who missed 29 games with a toe injury, has been sharp since his return to the court. He's scored 25+ points in six straight games, the longest stretch in his career. New Orleans will have to rely on Ingram's scoring ability and depth to navigate the tricky Western Conference the rest of the way.

New Orleans hopes to make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since the 2008-2009 season. To do so, they must navigate the chaotic Western Conference and position themselves in the Top 8.

The task will be challenging, but doing so would prove they belong amongst the NBA's best.

Read More Pelicans Scoop Articles: