At the beginning of the season, I never thought I’d be writing these words. If the New Orleans Pelicans make the playoffs, they will be a part of the most intriguing playoff series of the first round. Why is that? Two names, Lebron, and Zion Williamson. One year after the Pelicans traded away Anthony Davis, they are fighting for the 8th seed in a loaded Western Conference. With eight games left, the Grizzlies hold a 3.5 game lead over the Trail Blazers, Pelicans, and Kings. While it may be difficult for the Pelicans to surpass the Grizzlies, I would bet that the NBA, as well as the fans, are rooting for the Pelicans to make a run at the 8th seed. The Pelicans pose a problem as they are loaded with young talent that is surrounded by savvy veterans.
There is no doubt that Zion is a special talent, his size and athleticism have no match in the NBA, and while we only have a small sample size of his career, it is clear that Zion is bringing something new and exciting to the NBA. I’m sure some fans would be upset by the statement that it would be more interesting to see the Pelicans rather than the Grizzlies, or Trail Blazers in the playoff, but let’s look at those teams briefly.
Ja Morant is a very intriguing player, and a future All-Star in this league, but he is the only intriguing player on the Grizzlies. It would be similar to watching Morant in March Madness last year with Murray State, and I’d only be tuning in to watch him, not his team.
The Trail Blazers could pose a threat to the top seed as they have one of the best backcourts in the league with Damien Lillard and CJ McCollum, not to mention they are surrounded by veteran talent which includes Carmelo Anthony, Hassan Whiteside, and Jusuf Nurkic. Although it would be fun to watch Lillard face-off with Lebron and his potential #1 seed Lakers, we have seen the Trail Blazers with Lillard in the playoffs year after year. It is just not as exciting.
The New Orleans Pelicans
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
The Pelicans are the most exciting young team in the NBA. Even without Zion, the Pelicans have talented young players who are exciting to watch, starting with Brandon Ingram, the first time All-Star. Ingram is someone that I would describe as a professional scorer. The game has seemed to slow down for him this year as he has an average of 24.3 points per game, while shooting an efficient rate of 46.6%. Although these two stars pose problems for any team, the addition of Lonzo Ball to this team makes them even scarier. The Pelicans run one of the fastest-paced offenses in the NBA, which plays to the strengths of Lonzo Ball, who has exceptional vision and passing ability. What makes this young core even scarier is that they are surrounded by veterans like Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, and Derrick Favors, who will be able to provide a stable presence on and off the court in this intense race for the 8th seed. Plus, JJ Redick has never missed the playoffs, maybe the basketball gods will help to continue that streak for Redick.
Recently Zion had to leave the NBA bubble for personal matters, he will be key to the Pelicans run as they have gone 19-10 since his return, but will he even make it back to the bubble in time to play? Recently center Richaun Holmes from the Sacramento Kings accidentally crossed the bubble lines to pick up a food delivery, what did the NBA do? They made him quarantine for ten days.
Will the NBA make Zion quarantine for ten days when he comes back to the bubble? That question is unclear as ESPN recently reported that Zion would have to quarantine between 4-8 days. So Holmes has to quarantine ten days for crossing a line accidentally while Zion might only have to quarantine for four days after leaving the bubble completely? Seems a little crazy to me.
As I said, I think the NBA wants Zion in the Playoffs. I’m sure they are hoping for an MJ vs. Bird type matchup that we saw in the ‘86 playoffs, the old superstars vs. the new. The NBA might have helped the Pelicans a little bit more, as the Pelicans seem to have the easiest bubble schedule. While the Grizzlies have to face the Trail Blazers, Spurs, Pelicans, Jazz, Thunder, Raptors, Celtics, and Bucks, the Pelicans have a schedule that consists of the Jazz, Clippers, Grizzlies, Kings (twice), Wizards, Spurs, and Magic. That is a stark difference in schedules as the Pelicans opponents have a combined sub .500 record.
Prediction
My prediction is that the Pelicans will surpass the Grizzlies if Zion returns in time and achieve the #8 seed in the playoffs. The schedule just seems too tough for the Grizzlies. At the same time, the Pelicans with their young talent and savvy veterans can have a great record through their last eight games and ultimately please all of us with the most intriguing #1, #8 playoff matchup in years with the Pelicans, and most likely the Lakers.
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