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NBA: The potential long-term impact of the 2018 Western Conference playoff race

By FanSided User

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on January 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on January 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Anthony Davis
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Anthony Davis /

New Orleans Pelicans

Record: 38-26 (4th)

When DeMarcus Cousins went down with a season-ending tear of his achilles, missing the playoffs sounded almost inevitable for the New Orleans Pelicans. That was before Anthony Davis went absolutely nuts during the month of February (35.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks).

Davis’ surge into the MVP conversation has coincided with the Pelicans’ surge back into contention for a top-4 seed. No team in this playoff race has a player as good as Anthony Davis. That, along with the recent play of Jrue Holiday and a few others, is the case for the Pelicans making it.

Anthony Davis has made it clear he wants more than to simply make the playoffs. Even without Boogie, missing the playoffs again could leave the long-term status of their franchise player in question.