With play inside the bubble heating up on Friday, the return of the Pelicans Playoff Chase articles will provide fans an idea of where New Orleans stands in the playoff race.
Conference standings
8. Grizzlies (32-34) – One day in and Memphis has already lost ground in the playoff race after falling to Portland in overtime in a terrific game.
9. Portland 2.5 GB – There will be plenty of twists and turns in the bubble but the Blazers made the first big statement and moved into the driver’s seat for the play-in game.
10. San Antonio 3.0 GB – Seen by most as outsiders coming into the bubble, the Spurs jumped right into the thick of things with a win over Sacramento.
11. New Orleans 3.5 GB – The Pelicans caught a break with Portland’s win. But New Orleans can’t afford many more slip-ups.
12. Sacramento 3.5 GB – The Kings were also largely viewed as an outsider. A loss to the Spurs on Thursday doesn’t help that case. Their margin for error is just as thin as New Orleans’ now, if not thinner.
13. Phoenix 5 GB – Even with a win over the Wizards, Phoenix needs a LOT to go their way to make this interesting.
Games to watch and rooting interests
For now, the Pelicans and the rest of the teams they’re battling for playoff spots are on different schedules. No other team playing for the eighth seed is in action on Saturday.
