MEMPHIS – Four days after ending Utah’s 10-game winning streak, New Orleans was at it again, halting a seven-game Memphis winning streak Monday. Among the many examples that demonstrate how improved the Pelicans have been in recent weeks, they’re now regularly beating some of the Western Conference’s hottest teams.
More importantly, New Orleans’ holiday road victory at FedEx Forum pulled the Pelicans to within 3.5 games of eighth place in the West, with Memphis currently holding that spot in the standings. New Orleans has gone 11-5 since a 6-22 start, putting it within striking distance of playoff position as Zion Williamson’s official NBA debut approaches.