It may be just two games into play in the bubble, but the Pelicans are already facing must-win situations for their final six contests.
Conference standings
8. Grizzlies (32-34) – Not in action on Saturday.
9. Portland 2.5 GB – Not in action on Saturday.
10. San Antonio 3.0 GB – Not in action on Saturday.
11. Sacramento 3.5 GB – Not in action on Saturday.
12. New Orleans 4.0 GB – While they’re not out of the running yet, New Orleans is going to need lots of help to get back in the running.
13. Phoenix 5 GB – Not in action on Saturday.
Games to watch and rooting interests
Portland vs. Boston, 3:30 p.m., ESPN – The Trail Blazers made the biggest early statement among the teams fighting for the eighth and ninth seeds. But Pelicans fans should be heavily cheering for Boston for obvious reasons.
San Antonio vs. Memphis, 4:00 p.m. – The Grizzlies’ first three games are all against teams battling for the eighth seed. Cases could be made for rooting for either team but the Pelicans still play both. The rooting interest here should be as many overtimes as possible.
Sacramento vs. Orlando, 6:00 p.m., NBATV – The Kings could find themselves in the same situation New Orleans is currently in with a loss on Sunday. Pelicans fans should be rooting for exactly that.
Dallas vs. Phoenix, 9:00 p.m. – Phoenix needs a lot of help to make it interesting and they also don’t have a single game against a fellow team vying for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Root for Dallas to potentially end the Suns playoff push.