Pelicans Next 3 Games Crucial in Playoff Race

The Pelicans will be facing elite competition from three of the NBA's best teams.

The Pelicans will be facing elite competition from three of the NBA's best teams.

If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. It's time for these "new" young Pelicans to be put to the proverbial test the next three matches. Should the playoffs seeding begin today, coach Green's squad will play against the Western Conference's No. 3, 4, and 6 seeded clubs. 

The competition is stiff for the 10th-seeded Pelicans, fighting for a play-in game. The good news is the Pelicans have had success versus all the Jazz, Nuggets, and Memphis this season.

Pels to Battle 3 Elite Teams

Jazz vs. Pelicans

Nov 27, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) blocks the shot of Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay (8) during the first quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Utah and New Orleans split a back-to-back mini-series in late November. Who can forget Devonte Graham's game-winning three-pointer the first night, giving the Pelicans a 98-97 heart thrilling victory?

The Jazz responded the next night with a 127-105 victory of the Pels. In early January, the Jazz exacted more revenge with a 115-104 win. However, none of these battles had CJ McCollum running the point. Since being traded to New Orleans on Feb. 8, he's been on a tear averaging 26.6 points per game. Dating back to last season, these teams have split the previous four games, so expect this to be another Western Conference showdown.

Pelicans vs. Nuggets

Feb 4, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) battle for a loose ball in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans will travel to the Mile High City for a Sunday tilt against the Nuggets. They left Denver on Feb. 4 when rookie Herb Jones' career-high 25 points led the Pelicans to a 113-105 victory.

Also, note Jaxson Hayes' perfect shooting game and a double-double with 9-9 from the field, 4-4 from the free-throw line, and finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds. His performance was on the heels of being moved to the power forward position, where he has been very successful next to Jonas. Hayes' athletic ability to play defense in space versus stretch 4's and at his size can muscle smaller players when teams go small. Expect more of the same on Sunday if the Nuggets decide to play a small game.

One would assume this will be another barn burner as the average margin of victory in the last six games has only been 4 points between these two teams. Look for another close one.

Pels at Grizz!

Nov 13, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans wrap up the elite string of matchups against one of the hottest teams in the NBA and MVP candidate Ja Morant. That's not to say the Pelicans have not had their way with the Grizzles as of late. The Pelicans have won 6 out of the last eight matchups versus the Grizzles, including splitting the two games this year.

Those games were earlier in the season without Morant in the lineup. Since returning after the All-Star break, Morant has averaged nearly 40 points per game and has propelled the Grizzlies to 3rd place in the West, just a half-game behind the Warriors for the 2nd spot. 

If the Pelicans want to succeed in this one, it will start by slowing Morant down. It is easier said than done, for sure, but it may be the only way.

All three teams the Pelicans will contend with have recently won at least eight out of ten games. Conversely, the Pelicans have won 6 out 10. 

 Therefore, if they prevail with a couple of wins against elite opponents, it will improve their standings and public perception. The playoffs may not start until Apr. 16, but the Pelicans are in playoff mode now. 

These next few games should give the team a good barometer of where they are now and where they hope.

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