The Toronto Raptors face a Western Conference opponent for the fifth time in six games, though the first one at Scotiabank Arena. The New Orleans Pelicans are in a dogfight (can pelicans get in a dogfight?) for a low-rung playoff spot with a host of others. As of November 12, there are eight Western teams with either six or seven wins, producing tightness in the standings which I expect to continue all season. As in the East, there are a few Western teams with separation already (Warriors, Nuggets, Blazers), then a hungry batch.
Any discussion of the Pelicans begins with Anthony Davis.