NEW ORLEANS -- If there were a lifeline hanging from the rafters of the Smoothie King Center, both the New Orleans Pelicans (43-33) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (44-33) are hanging on as tightly as they can.
The Pelicans, who ranked as high as the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings just 10 days ago, have lost three consecutive games and now are holding on precariously to the eighth and final playoff spot entering Sunday's contest against the Thunder.
Oklahoma City is in a little better shape, but after losing three of its last four games, the Thunder badly need a victory to solidify their playoff positioning.