The New Orleans Pelicans, losers of three straight, sit 6.5 games out of the playoff picture. If the Rockets remain 8th in the NBA standings, the Pelicans are actually staring at a 7.5 game deficit because Houston owns the tiebreaker. With 22 contests left on the docket, Mount Everest appears an easier climb.
That said, New Orleans has not quit from an effort standpoint. Trust me, that's good, and not from just an entertainment perspective. According to team insiders, locker room cultures are a real thing so for Anthony Davis or any of his teammates to tune out or worse, become disgruntled, that could negatively impact the future more than dropping a spot or two in the draft lottery.