The New Orleans Pelicans learned their fate earlier today when the NBA released the 2016-17 regular season schedules for all 30 teams.
At first glance, the schedule appears incredibly balanced as the opponent’s win-loss records from last season both before and after the All-Star game are precisely the same. However, a comparison of the two opponent .510 win percentages among the rest of the league reveals the Pelicans first half schedule is noticeably more difficult (6th) than in the second half (16).
The months of December (.535) and January (.544) are to blame for the disparity, yet a strength of schedule ranking of fourth in both months means we will get a good read on the Pelicans early.