Hoops Habit
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NBA Christmas: A Gift For Every Team’s Wish List

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans

A Christmas Miracle

The problem with the New Orleans Pelicans is you can’t even sum up their Hindenburg start to the season as being a product of injuries. Yes, not having Tyreke Evans, Norris Cole and Omer Asik for a large chunk of games — not to mention Jrue Holiday‘s minutes restriction — obviously hurts, but even with everyone healthy the Pellies are still a mess.

For whatever reason, Anthony Davis hasn’t continued his ascent to demigod status as quickly as we thought he would. He’s still averaging a hearty 23.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this season, but those numbers are slightly down compared to last year and he just hasn’t looked like the same dominant player.

The good news is the Pelicans, for all their early season woes, are only 3.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the West after winning three of their last four contests. It’s too early to give up on NOLA just yet, but the Pelicans could definitely use a good Christmas miracle right about now.

Next: New York Knicks