New Orleans After All-Star Break

 New Orleans After All-Star Break: Can the Pelicans Make a Playoff Push?

The New Orleans Pelicans have had an incredible start to the season and are looking to continue their success with a playoff push. After the All-Star break, the team knows that they must stay focused and maintain their best effort if they want to make it into the playoffs. With key players such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram needing to remain healthy, CJ McCollum needing to look for his hot shooting streak, and JV's defense needing to be consistent, several factors will determine whether or not the Pelicans can make it into the postseason. 

Health Is Key for The Pelicans

The health of key players is a significant factor for the Pelicans this season. Zion Williamson, who is considered one of the most promising young stars in the league, needs to remain healthy for New Orleans to compete at its highest level this season. Additionally, Brandon Ingram needs to stay healthy as he is an integral part of New Orleans' offense with his ability to score from anywhere on the court. 

CJ McCollum Must Find His Shooting Streak Again 

CJ McCollum has been up and down this season when it comes to shooting from beyond the arc. For New Orleans to have any chance of making it into the playoffs, McCollum must find his hot shooting streak again and use it consistently throughout games. His ability to knock down shots from deep can open up driving lanes for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram which will create more scoring opportunities for them. 

JV Needs To Be Consistent On Defense 

JV is a key contributor on both ends of the court this season but his defensive play must be consistent if New Orleans wants a chance at making it into the playoffs. He has shown flashes of brilliance on defense but must play with more consistency for his team’s reason to be successful against some of the best teams in the league. 

Conclusion 

With a combination of good health among key players such as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum along with JV’s consistent defensive play, New Orleans has a great chance of making the playoffs this season if they stay focused and maintain their best effort after the All-Star break. It will be interesting how far they can go in an unpredictable Western Conference if they manage these factors properly.