The New Orleans Pelicans sit just a game out of 9th in the Western Conference despite a recent four-game slide.
After falling 114-103 to the Raptors last night and having now lost 20 of their last 28 contests, the Los Angeles Lakers are practically beckoning anyone behind them in the standings to drive on by. They resemble the semi crawling in the far right lane on the interstate, pulling a heavy load up a steep incline. The hazards are flashing brightly and the speedometer refuses to break 45 mph.
With 14 games remaining on the schedule, the Pelicans still have time to overtake the Lakers, but New Orleans fans would probably enjoy celebrating the event sooner rather than later.