Under the NBA’s previous postseason-qualification rules, New Orleans (18-29) would be a longshot, entering Friday’s game vs. Denver 5.5 games out of eighth place in the Western Conference. However, in Year 2 of the league’s revised play-in tournament format, the Pelicans are just 1.5 games behind the final spot, currently occupied by 10th-place Portland (20-28). So when Brandon Ingram was asked after Friday’s shootaround if he likes the NBA format change that debuted last season, his answer was admittedly influenced by his team’s present circumstances.
“Of course I’m going to say yes,” said Ingram, who is questionable to play Friday due to a right ankle sprain.