Less than three weeks into the season, the New Orleans Pelicans’ hopes of sneaking into the postseason have diminished. While they have not fully vanished, the likelihood of such a surprise playoff appearance feels minuscule in light of their slow 2-7 start. Much of this can be chalked up to a difficult schedule — already they have played the defending champion Toronto Raptors twice, as well as the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and a Warriors team that still had Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in the starting lineup.
However, things do not appear to be getting easier for them in the week ahead as they play the Rockets again and also face the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat for the first team this season.