The outlook couldn’t look any more daunting after a relatively tame schedule of late.
Before they face the top three records in the NBA (Warriors, Suns, Jazz) and the champion Bucks, the New Orleans Pelicans must first clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.
There’s probably not a better story than these Cavaliers. Not even the Steph-led Golden State Warriors, who have amassed the best winning percentage in the league without a minute from Klay Thompson yet.
Darius Garland is enjoying a breakout third season, Evan Mobley has been that rare two-way force as a rookie, Jarrett Allen is anchoring the paint with double-doubles aplenty and Lauri Markkanen has found new life away from Chicago.