The New Orleans Pelicans are a team on the rise in the Western Conference, and they could be a dark horse in this year’s playoffs. With a talented roster led by All-Star big man Anthony Davis, the Pelicans have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason.
One of the biggest keys for the Pelicans’ playoff success will be the play of Davis. He has been dominant all season, putting up 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Davis is one of the most versatile players in the league, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor will be crucial for the Pelicans to win in the playoffs.
Another important factor for the Pelicans will be the play of their backcourt. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo have formed a dynamic duo in the backcourt, with Rondo’s leadership and playmaking abilities complementing Holiday’s scoring and defense. If both players can continue to play at a high level in the playoffs, the Pelicans will be a tough team to beat.
The Pelicans will also need contributions from their role players. Nikola Mirotic has been a key addition since coming over from the Chicago Bulls, providing excellent shooting from beyond the arc and solid defense. E’Twaun Moore and Ian Clark have also been reliable scorers off the bench, and their ability to knock down shots will be crucial in playoff matchups.
Defensively, the Pelicans have been solid all season. They rank in the top 10 in defensive rating, and Davis’ rim protection has been a huge part of their success. The Pelicans have also been aggressive on the perimeter, forcing turnovers and getting out in transition. If they can continue to play with this level of intensity on defense, they will be tough to beat.
Of course, the Pelicans’ road to the playoffs won’t be easy. They will likely have to go through one of the top teams in the Western Conference, such as the Houston Rockets or Golden State Warriors. However, if they can play to their potential and get contributions from all their players, they could be a team that surprises some people in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the potential is there for the New Orleans Pelicans to make a deep playoff run this year. With Anthony Davis leading the way and a talented supporting cast, they have the pieces in place to be a dangerous team in the Western Conference. It will be exciting to see how far they can go in the postseason.
