14. New Orleans Pelicans (28-36)
Ah, the New Orleans Pelicans. A team that everyone seems to love heading into the NBA’s restart. With a healthy Zion Williamson, there’s plenty to like about this team. Even if you don’t want to be over the top about their chances in the restart. On paper, the Pelicans are extremely talented. It doesn’t take an NBA guru to realize that.
With that said, this is also a team that was playing at a high level before the hiatus. A big part of that was the play of Zion, Lonzo Ball, and Brandon Ingram. Each of those players was playing at a high level before the hiatus.
If they can pick up where they left off – and, that’s certainly a big “if” – the Pelicans will be one of the most dangerous lower-seeded teams in the West. Whether they can make any noise when the playoffs start remains to be seen.
They are a threat to make the playoffs, though. I don’t think there’s any denying that at this point.