The New Orleans Pelicans are in the thick of the playoff race after a strong finish to 2016. Winners of five of their last six the Pels are just one game back of the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets for the eighth and final playoff spot. (Reward, a probable date in the first round with the Golden State Warriors.) Yes, 14-21 and seven games under .500 is enough to be in the playoff hunt.
Once again conferences are playing against the Pelicans long term best interests. You may recall in 2015 I ranted about conferences and how New Orleans would be much better served if the playoff bracket selected the 16 best teams and disregarded conference altogether.