The New Orleans Pelicans were one of the hottest teams in the entire league. Behind Zion Williamson’s hot start and strong play from a host of teammates like Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, the team was quickly closing in on the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed.
While the break halted the New Orleans’ momentum, Pelicans’ analyst Antonio Daniels still believes the team will make the postseason. The former NBA veteran spoke with Fox 8 in New Orleans about the team’s playoff chances.
“My thought process hasn’t changed, honestly. I thought when the season got suspended on March 11 that the Pelicans were on their way to securing the 8th and final seed in the Western Conference.
Daniels also addressed some of the controversy surrounding the team receiving the easiest schedule in the restart. While skeptics have said the team was gifted an easy schedule to get into the playoffs, Daniels rightfully pointed out that
“Going into the postponement of the season, the Pelicans had the easiest remaining schedule. Everybody has their conspiracy theory. ‘I think the NBA wanted this to happen. I think the NBA wanted that to happen.’ Look, this is basketball. You have to take into consideration the schedule remaining that the Pelicans had. I think the NBA did a good job of doing just that.”
The Pelicans will certainly have their opportunity to make a run. The team will have six of their eight games against current non-playoff teams. Only the opening two games against Utah and the LA Clippers will be against playoff opponents.
If the Pelicans can make a run and get within shouting distance of the No. 8 seed, it could set up an intriguing finish to the regular season and some potential postseason excitement.