Only one schedule change
The initial belief was that the schedules would consist of the next eight games against fellow teams entering the bubble on the schedule. Logistically, that created problems for many teams around the league. While some teams, like the Lakers, saw their schedules fairly drastically changed, the Pelicans were the opposite.
Only one game was changed in the Pelicans’ schedule with a second match-up against the Grizzlies swapped for a contest against the Wizards. The match-up does directly impact the playoff chase for New Orleans, offering them one less game they could take off Memphis.
But Washington has the worst record of the 22 teams entering the restart. They also will be without Davis Bertans, arguably their second-best player this season behind superstar Bradley Beal. While it’s actually an easier opponent for the Pelicans, it’s not one against a fellow team competing for the playoffs which could be one less chance to make up ground.