The New Orleans Pelicans have seemingly solidified a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
Although 18 contests remain on the schedule and there’s only a gap of two games from the 11th-seeded Trail Blazers, every team sitting below the Pelicans in the standings have failed to make any noise for months.
Since the turn of the new year, the Trail Blazers, Spurs and Kings have all posted records well below .500. Playing mediocre ball here on out should guarantee New Orleans sees action beyond the regular season.
To be fair though, the Pelicans have a right to be hungrier for more.