The New Orleans Pelicans appear to be the lead car in a small race, but they haven’t remotely put enough distance between themselves and their closest competitors.
With last night’s defeat to the Mavericks, the Lakers slipped into the 11th slot in the Western Conference — and out of the Play-In Tournament picture. Although the Pelicans technically sit one game ahead of them and the Spurs in the standings, tiebreakers must be factored into the equation.
Having won the season series over the Lakers already, the Pelicans have in effect a two-game edge on them at the moment.