The New Orleans Pelicans just want a chance to play meaningful games.
The NBA has discussed myriad options for re-starting the season, including a 16-team playoff, a playoff “plus” format, a play-in tournament and even a World Cup-style group format.
The last option might be the best for the Pelicans, as it would allow them a route to the playoffs, while potentially providing some unlikely and entertaining matchups.
In the group format proposed by the Ringer, there would be four groups of five teams that would each play each other twice. The top two teams would advance to the second round, which would then proceed as normal with seven game series.