Last season, the New Orleans Pelicans put up a record of 48-34, the franchises best record since 2008-2009. NOLA would go on to get the sixth seed in the Western Conference and sweep the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs, before losing in five to the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Pelicans success last season, the team is by no means guaranteed to finish in the top eight in the West in 2018-19. Here’s why:
The Team’s Incredible Luck Last Season
Though it may not be the sexiest thing in the world to bring up, the Pelicans’ run to the playoffs last season was unexpected, especially from a statistical point of view.