5 must-watch Pelicans games for the second half of the regular season
The New Orleans Pelicans are set for an interesting conclusion to their regular season after an up-and-down first half of the year. After high highs and low lows through the opening months of the season, the Pelicans sit on the outside looking in at the playoffs.
However, a favorable run-in for New Orleans to close the regular season could make for a fascinating finish to the season. Mix in the Pelicans’ likely activity in the trade deadline and any number of possibilities could be on the cards.
As has been the case this season so far, the Pelicans could swing with the elites or could fall to the cellar dwellers this season.
With all that in mind, here are the five most exciting games for the Pelicans in the second half of the year, with a special focus on the close of the regular season.
vs L.A. Lakers, May 16
While it won't be the first match-up with the defending champions, most have produced memorable moments and high intensity. In the previous match-up, the Lonzo Ball-less Pelicans offered little resistance to the Lakers. But back home, late in the season with the playoffs likely on the line and Ball likely in the lineup, it could produce another exciting meeting.
vs. Brooklyn, April 20
Another high-profile match-up that won't be the first meeting between the two teams on the year but will be the home contest for New Orleans. Given their moves this season, the Nets have quickly become one of the most exciting teams the league has seen in some time and will present an interesting battle for the oversized Pelicans.
vs. Charlotte, May 9
A Ball brothers showdown is always going to be enticing so long as the two brothers are in the league. In the first meeting, the Pelicans had yet to hit their stride offensively while LaMelo shined bright. Adding to the intrigue is that both sides will likely be fighting for playoff positioning in their respective conferences. This matchup will be part of a five-game road trip for New Orleans at the end of the regular season.
vs. Golden State, May 3-4
One of the teams the Pelicans will be battling for a spot in the playoffs will be Golden State. As it stands, the Warriors are the ninth seed, 3.5 games ahead of New Orleans. The Pelicans and Warriors will meet three times in the final two-plus weeks of the regular season including in a back-to-back in New Orleans that could have huge implications on the playoffs.
at Memphis, May 10
In the same road trip that the Pelicans will meet Charlotte, the following night they will also play Memphis the following night. Like Golden State, the Grizzlies figure to be one of the teams New Orleans will be contending for a playoff spot against. In the last two seasons, the Pelicans have had the upper hand against Memphis. It could be part of a big road trip if the Pelicans can knock off Memphis and Charlotte during the trip.
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