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2018 NBA Playoffs: Last time the Blazers-Pelicans met in the postseason

By Dante Nelson

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during their game at Barclays Center on February 10, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 10: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the first quarter during their game at Barclays Center on February 10, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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What happened the last time the Portland Trail Blazers faced the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA Playoffs?

The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans represent one of the most anticipated matchups in the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

Now, before I proceed, we need to clarify who the New Orleans Pelicans are, according to recent changes in NBA history. Take a seat and grab a snack.

Ya see, there was a team known as the Charlotte Hornets, who appeared in the 1988-89 season. They turned into the New Orleans Hornets for the start of the 2002-03 season. Then, they turned into an Oklahoma City AND New Orleans Hornets hybrid thing after Hurrican Katrina. That was for two seasons, 05-06 and 06-07. They went back to New Orleans Hornets for 07-08. Then, they became the New Orleans Pelicans in 13-14.

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But, while they were the New Orleans Hornets, another team emerged in Charlotte. The Charlotte Bobcats appeared in 04-05. Then, eventually, they changed their name to the Hornets AFTER New Orleans changed to Pelicans in 14-15. So, we ended up with two separate Hornets in NBA history.

So, the NBA decided to take away all “Charlotte” history from the Pelicans and give it to the current version of the Hornets. Basically, the NBA decided to give team history by city. So, all basketball in Charlotte belongs to the city. Side note: People expect a similar scenario should the NBA ever return to Seattle by altering the Oklahoma City Thunder’s history.

Personally, I wouldn’t want to lose Sixers history if the NBA returned to Syracuse. I guess I value team more than the city,

So the Charlotte Hornets have a weird history where they start off as the Hornets, suffer a midlife crisis and change to the Bobcats, but then go back to Hornets. Also, there is a gap of three seasons where they simply don’t exist. Also, the Pelicans are now considered the most recent NBA expansion team instead of the Bobcats turned Hornets 2.0.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Playoffs: 8 X-Factors to keep an eye on in the first-round

I had to clear that up in case you were wondering about previous matchups between these two teams. Ultimately, these teams never met in the playoffs before. The Blazers never faced any version of Hornets-Pelicans in New Orleans.

Look at that! You got a small history lesson instead of me rambling about nonsense. Right?