As I sit here watching the New Orleans Pelicans' recent overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns, I can't help but feel this team is different from last season's squad that finished 42-40. The energy in the Smoothie King Center feels electric, and there's a palpable sense of belief among players that I haven't seen in years. Having covered this team since their relocation from Charlotte back in 2002, I've witnessed plenty of promising seasons derailed by injuries and inconsistent performances. But something about this year's roster feels special, and I'm genuinely optimistic about their playoff chances despite the Western Conference being tougher than ever.
The key factor that makes me believe in this team's postseason potential isn't just Zion Williamson's health or Brandon Ingram's scoring prowess—it's the chemistry developing among the players. I was particularly struck by veteran Larry Nance Jr.'s recent comments about team adjustment, where he emphasized that adapting to teammates matters more than adjusting to Coach Willie Green. "More than adjusting to Coach Yeng, it's going to be more of adjusting to my teammates," Nance said in that candid interview last month. "Kasi matagal na ako kay Coach Yeng, naka-apat na taon din ako sa kanya dati. It's more of adjusting to my teammates talaga, Magka-amuyan." That last phrase—"magka-amuyan"—roughly translates to developing that intuitive understanding, that almost telepathic connection between players who've learned to anticipate each other's movements. And honestly, I think that's exactly what we're seeing on the court these past few weeks.
When I look at the Western Conference landscape, the Pelicans currently sit at 6th position with a 38-34 record, just 2.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Houston Rockets. The margin for error is razor-thin, and every game matters tremendously down this final stretch. What gives me confidence is their remaining schedule—they face only four teams with winning records in their last ten games, including two crucial matchups against the Sacramento Kings who are just one game behind them in the standings. Historically, teams that finish strong in April tend to carry that momentum into the playoffs, and the Pelicans have won 7 of their last 10 games, suggesting they're peaking at exactly the right moment.
The statistical improvements tell a compelling story too. Their offensive rating has jumped from 112.3 last season to 116.8 this year, while their defensive rating has improved from 113.5 to 111.9. That net rating of +4.9 places them firmly in the top half of the conference, and teams with similar metrics have made the playoffs 83% of the time over the past decade. But numbers only tell part of the story—what's more telling is how they're closing out close games. Last season, they went 18-22 in games decided by 5 points or fewer. This year? They're 14-9 in such situations, demonstrating significantly better clutch performance when it matters most.
I've had the privilege of speaking with several players off the record after games, and the consensus is that this team genuinely enjoys playing together. There's a camaraderie that extends beyond the court—players are spending time together off the floor, organizing team dinners, and developing the kind of bonds that translate to better on-court chemistry. CJ McCollum's leadership as president of the players' association has been instrumental in fostering this environment, and his mentorship of younger players like Dyson Daniels and Jordan Hawkins has accelerated their development tremendously.
The Zion Williamson we're seeing now is different from the player we saw earlier in the season. He's moving better, his defensive engagement has improved dramatically, and he's taking smarter shots rather than forcing contested attempts in traffic. Over his last 15 games, he's averaging 26.8 points on 61% shooting with 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists—All-NBA caliber numbers that remind me of his dominant bubble performance back in 2020. More importantly, he's playing 32.4 minutes per game during this stretch, his highest since his rookie season, indicating his body is holding up well under the increased workload.
The bench unit has been another revelation. Jose Alvarado's pesky defense, Naji Marshall's versatile scoring, and Larry Nance Jr.'s energy and basketball IQ have given the Pelicans one of the most productive second units in the league. Their bench is averaging 38.7 points per game, good for 7th in the NBA, and they've consistently extended leads rather than surrendering them when the starters take their rest. This depth will be crucial in the playoffs when rotations shorten and every possession becomes magnified.
Now, I won't pretend there aren't concerns. The Western Conference is brutally competitive, with at least six legitimate championship contenders and several other teams like the Lakers and Warriors with proven playoff pedigree. The Pelicans' relative inexperience in high-stakes games could work against them, and their three-point shooting remains inconsistent—they rank just 20th in three-point percentage at 35.8%. There are also legitimate questions about their ability to generate efficient offense in half-court settings against elite playoff defenses, where their transition opportunities may be limited.
But here's why I think they'll overcome these challenges and secure a playoff spot: their remaining schedule is among the easiest in the conference, they're healthier than they've been all season, and they've shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from losses. They haven't lost consecutive games since early February, a span of 28 games, demonstrating the mental toughness required for postseason success. Coach Green has done a masterful job managing rotations and keeping players engaged, and his emphasis on defensive principles has given them an identity they can rely on when shots aren't falling.
Looking at the bigger picture, making the playoffs would represent a significant step forward for this franchise. It would validate the patience they've shown with Zion's development, reward the loyal fan base that has supported them through some lean years, and establish New Orleans as an emerging force in the Western Conference. More importantly, it would provide invaluable playoff experience for their young core, accelerating their development and potentially attracting additional talent in free agency.
As we approach the final weeks of the regular season, I'm more convinced than ever that this Pelicans team will not only make the playoffs but could potentially win a first-round series if they secure a favorable matchup. The chemistry, the talent, the coaching, and the timing all align for a memorable postseason run. They may not be championship contenders yet, but they're building something special in New Orleans, and I genuinely believe we'll be watching them play meaningful basketball well into May. Sometimes in this business, you have to trust your gut feeling about a team, and everything about this Pelicans squad tells me they're ready for their playoff moment.