In the Western Conference playoff race, every game is crucial. With four games left on the regular season schedule, the Pelicans (44-34) are currently a half game up on both the Nuggets and Timberwolves, yet New Orleans fails to possess the tiebreaker against either rival, so Friday’s game against the Suns (20-59) is undoubtedly a must win to stay ahead of these closest pursuers.
Honestly, if you’re a playoff-caliber team below the third seed in the Western Conference, you’re just as close to a higher position than you are a lower one.