The road ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans to climb into the playoff picture was already arduous out of the All-Star Break. Both the Denver Nuggets (2.5 games ahead at the time) and Portland Trail Blazers (0.5 games ahead) faced easier schedules down the stretch run. Now, a 2-6 start out of the gates has nearly eliminated the Pelicans from legitimate playoff contention. They now trail the Minnesota Timberwolves by 2.5 games... for 11th in the Western Conference. Meanwhile the Blazers are on a four game winning streak and have the easiest schedule remaining.
Pelicans playoff odds are microscopic
