Pelicans (44-34), Grizzlies (21-57)
New Orleans players have talked often recently about how they control their own playoff fortunes, something that was even more the case Wednesday. With only one other key Western Conference game taking place on the evening (Spurs at Lakers), it was up to the Pelicans to improve their chances of qualifying for the postseason. They did so in resounding fashion, leading wire-to-wire and running away from the struggling Grizzlies in the second half. New Orleans remained in eighth place in the Western Conference, with another chance to move closer to a playoff berth Friday, when it visits Phoenix.