NBA 14-15 Pre-All Star Break Grades: Hawks, Warriors Pass With Flying Colors

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Feb 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Thunder defeated the Pelicans 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans

Record: 26-23

First Half Highlight: Davis’ 43 points, 14 rebound night vs Utah

Analysis: Believe it or not, but the New Orleans Pelicans are right there with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns battling for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

Anthony Davis has catapulted this team, with his 25 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game, to a near playoff-level squad. Although, the Pellies are still a player, or two, away from securing that spot from the Suns and Thunder, who are both more likelier of the three to clinch the spot.

So far this season, the Pelicans have done more than what many expected them to do so far. Clinching a playoff berth, which not many expected, would be going above and beyond their realistic expectations.

Pass.

Grade: B

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