The FiveThirtyEight website has updated their 2019-20 NBA Predictions to reflect the schedule and format of the upcoming Orlando restart of games, and as expected, New Orleans playoff odds have slipped — but they still maintain an edge over Memphis, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio and Phoenix.
Prior to the Covid-19 suspension, the Pelicans were given a 60% chance of grabbing the final spot in the playoff standings, sitting well ahead of the pack outside the top seven teams in the Western Conference. Despite a 3.5 game lead on its nearest competition, the Grizzlies (15%) were considered a long shot, with the Trail Blazers (14%) and the Kings (9%) nipping on their heels.