15. New Orleans Pelicans
Heading into the start of the season, it’s almost impossible to predict what the New Orleans Pelicans will be. If we look at how they performed at the start of last season, there’s a reasonable belief that they could be in for a memorable season. However, this team has yet to prove that they can remain healthy over the course of the season. Because of that, I find it almost impossible to be confident in their ability to buck the recent trend.
It’s unfortunate because this team is one of the most talented groups in the Western Conference. If everything goes perfectly for the Pelicans this season, there’s a case to be made that they could finish in the top 4 of the standings. In the NBA, though, that’s almost never the case. And that kind of complicates everything.
But if they can avoid a major injury, this is a team that should be able to make the playoffs in the West. If Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram play the majority of the regular season games if they’re somewhat healthy heading into the postseason, the Pelicans are going to be a threat to make some noise.