Early in the 2021-22 season, a road trip against three straight playoff contenders would’ve justifiably been viewed as an exceptionally formidable challenge for New Orleans. After all, the Pelicans started the campaign by going just 1-9 in away games, losing seven times by a double-digit margin. Since a Devonte’ Graham game-winning three-pointer in Utah, however, the team’s travels have produced better outcomes, with New Orleans having gone 5-6, including subsequent victories at the Clippers, Dallas, Oklahoma City (Graham struck again, from 61 feet) and Orlando.
Based on that improvement, as well as what they’ve accomplished in the Smoothie King Center lately, the Pelicans should be a more confident road team as they prepare to face Brooklyn (tonight at 6:30, Bally Sports, 100.