The Pelicans and Thunder seemed locked in a dual that sees the two teams tied at the end of every contest. New Orleans and Oklahoma City are evenly trading wins and losses lately for an identical record. That's just fine with the Pelicans, who hold the tiebreaker over the Thunder after winning the season series.
In order to take advantage of that tiebreaker though, here are 3 things New Orleans must do in order to advance into postseason play.
1. Win Monday night versus the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Pelicans missed the opportunity to be solidly ahead of the Thunder by not taking care of business earlier this season against sub.500 teams. They can't make that same mistake again Monday while visiting the Timberwolves on New Orleans' final back-to-back of the regular season. A win in Minnesota provides some cushion heading into Wednesday's finale against the San Antonio Spurs, who are playing inspired ball right now. Even though the Thunder are taking on the Trailblazers Monday, Portland could rest a lot of players. Count on Russell Westbrook coming to play after having Sunday night's technical foul rescinded by the NBA.
"If the Pelicans play tonight with the energy and efficiency they brought in Houston last night versus the Rockets, they should beat Minnesota offensively," Fox Sports New Orleans analyst David Wesley said. "Against the Rockets, everyone did their job on offense, from the starters to the bench. They played well enough to win offensively. They shared the ball and didn't turn it over."
2. Tighten Up Defensively
New Orleans had their scoring rhythm down Sunday, but defensively, there were several holes. The Pelicans gave up at least 30 points in each of the 3 final quarters. New Orleans must talk on defense and play aggressively versus the Timberwolves on both sides of the ball.
"Defense is something you've got to want to play, and you have to want it collectively," Wesley said. "Guys have got to dedicate themselves to and communicate. I'm looking to see this team put forth a consistent effort in that regard. One night they'll hold an opponent to 85, the next night they give up 121."
3. Share the Ball
The Pelicans have been at their best this season when they pass the ball. The magic number seems to be 25 assists or more in a game. That's when the number of New Orleans victories goes way up. Jrue Holiday may not play Monday versus the Timberwolves. He returned Friday in New Orleans versus the Phoenix Suns after missing 40 games with a stress reaction in his lower right leg. Holiday played from the bench Sunday versus the Rockets, pouring in 17 points in just 15 minutes. New Orleans may rest Holiday Monday out of an abundance of precaution since it's a back-to-back. However, the Pels should still be able to share the ball effectively. Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole have gotten the job done numerous times. In fact, Sunday Cole ran point for the reserves with Holiday at shooting guard much of the time.
"I've seen so much growth toward the end of this season in game-ending situations," Wesley said. "The Pelicans have much better resolve now. When opponents make runs, they don't panic. When the Pelicans get down, now they have the ability and confidence to get back up. Earlier this season, they would have fallen apart. They're playing strong, confident basketball right now."
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