15. New Orleans Pelicans
After an underwhelming start to the season, the New Orleans Pelicans are beginning to look like the dangerously talented team at the start of last year. The Pelicans are beginning to hit their stride and the return of CJ McCollum has certainly helped give the team an added jolt into their walk. Overall, the Pelicans have won eight of their last 11 games and beginning to make a move up the Western Conference standings.
New Orleans still has some work to do in terms of emerging as a dark horse contender but the early indications are positive. With so much on the line in terms of deciding their future, the Pelicans, at the very least, must make the postseason this year. With as much talent as they have on their roster, it would be an injustice if they didn't finish the season as one of the top 8 teams in the West.
And if the Pelicans can remain healthy, it would be somewhat surprising if they didn't. This goes to show that if the Pelicans end this season on a disappointing note, big changes are likely coming for a team that at times feels like it lacks true direction.