For all of the discussion Friday about how “easy” the eight-game schedule in Orlando is for New Orleans – objectively, the Pelicans’ opponents do have the lowest winning percentage among 22 teams – closer examination reveals a more daunting reality. As is the case for several Western Conference teams including Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio and Phoenix, there’s almost no margin for error, given a multi-game deficit behind eighth-place Memphis (32-33). In addition, New Orleans (28-36) will open play by facing a pair of very formidable conference foes, probably needing to win at least one of those games in order to avoid creating a bigger hole.
On paper, Pelicans may have ‘easier’ slate, but there's little margin for error
