It was five-plus months ago, so it’s easy to forget how dire many of the predictions were for the 2017-18 New Orleans Pelicans, deemed a non-playoff team by virtually every objective observer back in October. USA Today projected a 40-42 record and a 10th-place finish. ESPN.com’s projection was 44.2 wins and ninth place – which actually turned out to be the most positive Pelicans forecast. Bleacher Report and SI.com weighed in with predictions of 10th and 11th place, respectively.
Although nothing is guaranteed yet – at 43-31, New Orleans still needs at least a few more wins to solidify its invite to the Western Conference playoffs – the Pelicans have gone from fringe postseason aspirant to having a legitimate shot at homecourt advantage in the first round.