NEW ORLEANS -- In a below-sea-level city where potholes have been known to swallow mid-size sedans, the New Orleans Pelicans have been cratering when they should be cruising.
Two weeks ago, the Pelicans were soaring with the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, but after losing four consecutive games, including a 109-104 home setback to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, the Pelicans (43-34) are in the eighth and final playoff position with five games left.
That precarious seeding places additional pressure on Wednesday night's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies (21-56), who are clearly playing the spoiler role against a team that has had trouble playing its best basketball at home.