UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

CAN THE PELICANS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?

This article comes in the midst of the Pelicans being on a 4-game win streak. The Kings which got hot, finally ended their streak. Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Rockets seems to be in a slump. I wouldn't say the door is open for them, but there's at least a window.

What has propelled this team? A lot.

Let's start with the obvious. Zion and Ingram have played very well. During the win streak, Zion has scored 23.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 5.8 APG, and 1.3 BPG. Ingram has averaged 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 1.8 BPG. While these numbers don't jump off the page, what's interesting from both players is the increased amount of passing. Everyone on these team seems to be getting involved in the offense, nobody on this team is selfish, and it's just a group effort in every facet of the game.

The next player that has done phenomenal has been Lonzo Ball. He's almost the forgotten Ball brother since his younger brother, LaMelo, was inserted into the starting line-up in Charlotte, but he's putting up respectable numbers as well. Over this win streak he's averaging 17.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, and sporadic defensive stats. The big change over the recent stretch has been his insane 4.0 3PG. This streak has boosted his numbers to 2.7 3PG on a very respectable 36.7% clip. The new team-style system has allowed him to have an average of one less turnover per game, and an 1.9% increase in field goal percentage. His free throw percentage, while still very poor, is up 5.9% over last year. There is still room to grow - his poor free throw percentage causes him to take less chances around the rim, his defensive numbers have been stagnant, but at the end of the day, if they're winning, people critique less.

Their X-Factor however, has been Josh Hart. The Villanova product has been great for them off the bench this season, and he capped off their 4-game winning streak with a monster 20-point, 17-rebound effort. He's already has four double-doubles this year, and is averaging 8.8 rebounds over this 4-game winning streak. He's having the best averages since his rookie season and has thus far set new highs in rebounding, assists, and has a ridiculously low 0.6 turnovers per game. Yes, he's had a couple of dud's this season, but his impact off the bench on both ends of the court has forced the Pelicans to give him starter minutes.

This team has a lot of tradeable assets, a lot of draft picks, and two bright young stars. The Pelicans are definitively a team to keep an eye on as we approach the deadline, as this team still has other untapped talent. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has shown glimpses of excellence, Jaxson Hayes has solid per-36 numbers, Kira Lewis Jr seems to be improving in his rookie campaign, and Eric Bledsoe continues to mentor this young team.

While I have reservations to go all-in on this team, I have been impressed thus far. I somewhat expected them to be in the mix for the play-in tournament, yet they're only a couple games back of getting into the playoffs directly. Their inexperience will likely be what hurts them in the playoffs if they make it, but New Orleans finally has a respectable team - something they have not had since the prime Chris Paul and David West era. They're fun to watch and will hopefully continue their success.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]

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