NBA: 3 teams that exceeded expectations during the 2017-18 regular season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 25: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Miami Heat during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 25: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Miami Heat during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 12: Nikola Mirotic #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a second half three point basket while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 12, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. New Orleans won the game 118-103. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 12: Nikola Mirotic #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after making a second half three point basket while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 12, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. New Orleans won the game 118-103. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans season has definitely been one to remember, and improve on next season. In its first full season with DeMarcus Cousins, the Pelicans were hopeful to make the playoffs this year.

Through 48 games with Cousins, the Pelicans were doing that with a solid record of 27-21. Unfortunately, after he went down for the season with a torn Achilles the rest of their season looked bleak.

To start, the Pelicans managed to keep playing well winning 11 of their next 16 games without him. Overall they are 19-13 since his injury which is essentially the same they were playing with him. The Pelicans record is currently 46-34, a great improvement from last season finishing 10th in the conference. 

Currently, the Pelicans sit as the 5th seed in the West. However, that could still change over the last couple games as just one game separates the 4-8 seeds. With Anthony Davis and “playoff Rondo”, the Pelicans will be a tough out for anyone in the first round.