Reasons Why The Pelicans Are A Solid Bet To Make The Postseason

New Orleans has many factors on their side

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  • The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the most puzzling teams ahead of the NBA restart in Orlando, as they remain alive in the race for a playoff spot, despite being 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies.

  • The Pelicans, however, are a strong play to secure the eighth seed in the Western Conference. They have enough weapons to make a statement in the final weeks of the regular-season and have an excellent chance to sneak into the playoffs.

  • New Orleans is +300 to earn the eighth seed, per DraftKings Sportsbook. They'll play in the first official contest inside the NBA bubble agains the Utah Jazz this Thursday. Go to our game predictions page to see which bet our NBA model prefers in Thursday's matchup!
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Leaning On A Player Not Named Zion

The New Orleans Pelicans have a generational talent in Zion Williamson. The first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft should return to practice Wednesday and, even though his presence for Thursday’s contest against the Utah Jazz is doubtful, he should be a weapon for the remainder of the regular-season. The former Duke star is averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 19 games this season for the Pelicans.

Williamson, however, won’t be a one-man show for the Pelicans. New Orleans also has Brandon Ingram, who was having a career-year before play was suspended in March. The former Los Angeles Lakers wing is averaging career-high marks in points (24.3), rebounds (6.3), assists (4.3), steals (1.0), and three-pointers made (2.4) per game, while also posting a career-best 85.8 percent from the charity stripe.

Ingram and Williamson will carry the team offensively, but the supporting cast is quality as well. Jahill Okafor is a capable offensive threat in the paint, JJ Redick is shooting 45.2 percent from deep -- the second-best mark of his career -- and Jrue Holiday is one of the most underrated guards in the league. Lonzo Ball found his form down the stretch as well, so the Pelicans could have enough weapons to score points at will against any opponent. That’s something they will need on a nightly-basis, given their defensive struggles.

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Western Playoff Candidates Are Lacking

Another thing to note is that most of New Orleans direct rivals in the race for the eighth seed are facing different problems. The San Antonio Spurs won’t have LaMarcus Aldridge and the Sacramento Kings will be without Marvin Bagley III. The lack of depth in the frontcourt won’t be an issue for New Orleans.

The Pelicans biggest rivals, the Memphis Grizzlies, have a tough road ahead as well. They were firing on all cylinders when play was suspended, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to replicate that success. They are a young team lacking veterans, and that could be a problem down the stretch. It is tough to imagine them clicking as well as they did earlier this season. In their case, the time off might be detrimental.

A Schedule Set For Success

Last but not least, the Pelicans also have a favorable schedule. After opening the eight-game stretch against the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans finishes with six-consecutive games against teams with a sub-.500 record. That should be a major factor and will boost the Pelicans chances getting the job done on their end.

Reducing a 3.5-game deficit is not impossible by any means, but the Grizzlies are still favorites to land the elusive eighth seed in the Western Conference. However, it would be wrong to count the Pelicans out of the race. They have enough weapons offensively to put up more than a decent fight and their schedule is about as good as it gets. At +300 to earn the eight-seed, the odds suggest they have a terrific opportunity to sneak into the postseason.

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