The New Orleans Pelicans boast one of the NBA’s premier practice facilities, but during the second half of the 2017-18 season, they frequently held gameday shootarounds in the Smoothie King Center. Coincidence or not, the Pelicans grew considerably more effective on their home floor after doing that, posting a 12-5 record since mid-February, after starting an inconsistent 14-12. Several of the team’s role players, including E’Twaun Moore and Darius Miller, have shot better in the familiar atmosphere than on the road, which helped New Orleans secure a playoff berth.
The sixth-seeded Pelicans hope to carry over that home success, which includes two high-decibel first-round wins vs.