NBA Playoffs: 3 teams that would benefit from play-in tournament

New Orleans Pelicans

Had the NBA never entered a hiatus, there was a very real chance that the New Orleans Pelicans were going to overtake the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pelicans were finally healthy, after the return of Zion Williamson, and had one of the easiest remaining schedules in the NBA.

On the contrary, the Grizzlies had one of the most difficult remaining schedules. The Grizzlies were also beginning to struggle, losing four of their last 10 games heading into the hiatus. Nevertheless, we’ll never know how the final 15, or so, games would’ve changed the playoff picture. With a play-in tournament, it would give the Pelicans an opportunity to play their best basketball when it matters most.

The road to the playoffs for the Pelicans would likely include having to beat the Suns in the first round, the Grizzlies in the second, and then the Blazers in the final (assuming all higher seeds advance).

That would be no easy task for any team, but the Pelicans would also be arguably the most talented team, from top to bottom, in the tournament. Should a play-in tournament be implemented, the Pelicans would have to be considered one of the favorites.