The New Orleans Pelicans are in the midst of a three-game homestand against teams sitting among the eight playoff positions in the Western Conference.
It's still early in the season, but these games will provide a gauge of where the Pelicans stand in their quest to join that group.
The homestand didn't get off to a good start with a 129-126 loss Monday to the Los Angeles Clippers, who are tied with Denver for the best record in the Western Conference.
"We played hard and we competed hard and at the end of the day, they're the best team in the West -- by record, they're the best team in the West," New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said.