NBA: 7 teams that must flip the switch as the push toward the playoffs approaches

New Orleans Pelicans

Over the last few weeks, the New Orleans Pelicans have been decimated by injuries and it has forced them to fall down the Western Conference standings. If they are going to have any shot of making the playoffs, they’re going to need to turn it on. And now. Unfortunately, part of that is out of their hands considering they need to get healthy. And in a hurry. Specifically, the Pelicans need Zion Williamson back.

The team has mightily struggled without him this season. They’re 14-20 when Zion is not in the lineup. Specifically, since he’s been out due to his recent injury (January 2), the Pelicans are just 8-18.

Zion is making progress but there’s still no solid return date. From everything that has been reported, it seems like the best-case scenario for a Zion return is still a couple of weeks.

New Orleans is currently sitting in the 10th seed of the Western Conference. With 19 games left in the season, there is no room for error for the Pelicans. This is a team that has to turn it on quickly, with or without a healthy Zion.