While the top of the NBA Western Conference has been a battle dominated by teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and the Thunder, the New Orlean Pelicans (41-26) are quietly putting together a really good season.
The Pelicans are currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference and are peaking at the right time; winning four of their last five and proving that they can hold their own against some of the best teams in the West.
Based on their position in the standings, they have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs, barring any injuries.
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Peli-Can Make It
The New Orleans Pelicans came slow out the gate, struggling at the beginning of the season despite a talented roster. A roster that boasted names like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson but floated around .500 for most of the season.
Even in the NBA In-Season Tournament, the Pelicans failed to show up against LeBron James and the Lakers. Zion Williamson only scored 13 points in an embarrassing 133-89 blowout on national television.
Since then, the Pelicans have flipped a switch and turned up their play all the way up to now.
Following the tournament, the Pelicans have continuously picked up big wins against foes throughout the league; such against the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.
New Orleans Pelicans Powered By Zion Williamson
The 6 foot 6 monster that is Zion Williamson has been a big part of the Pelicans' success this season.
The former No.1 overall pick has quietly put together a great season, leading the New Orleans in scoring with 22.6 points per game on 62.5 percent shooting.
Williamson has slowly come back into form, looking like the force he was coming into the league. In this time, Zion has also improved as a playmaker, averaging 5.1 assists a game.
Controlling his weight has evidently played a big role in his dominance so far this season.
According to ESPN Brian Windshorst, the star forward has lost 25 pounds or more since December.
Williamson's health and how he plays will be pivotal down the stretch for the Pelicans if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
Throughout his career, Zion Williamson has dealt with nagging injuries that have kept him off the court more than he's been on it. He sat out the entire 2021-22 campaign with a foot injury and was limited to 29 games in 2022-23 due to a hamstring ailment.
Williamson has always been a star. Zion came into the league surrounded by tons of hype and fanfare that for the most part has quieted down due to his injury history.
A strong performance in the NBA Playoffs would launch Zion Wiliamson back into the top players in the league conversation.
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Beyond Numbers for the New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are easily one of the deeper teams in the Western Conference. They boast a roster that, on most nights, can go ten deep depending on the opponent.
New Orleans has talented wing depth in Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, two players who have proven to be able to space the floor and play defense.
Brandon Ingram continues to be one of the best scorers in the NBA, averaging 21.1 points per game.
Naji Marshall has also come into his own this season, proving to be a pivotal rotational player when Williamson has been out this season.
The Pelicans are the team to either play big by pairing Williamson up with center Jonas Valanciunas, or play small ball with Williamson at the five spot.
Their guard rotation also continues to look strong with guys like CJ McCollum, who brings veteran leadership along with playoff experience; having played in the Western Conference finals during his time in Portland.
The New Orleans Pelicans are going for their 42nd win of the season against the Brooklyn Nets tonight. This win would tie their last season's record and possibly give them a chance at winning 48 games, the most since the 2017-18 season.
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