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4 lottery teams likely to make the NBA Playoffs next season

By Ryan Piers

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his basket in overtime between Lonzo Ball #2 and Kyle Kuzma #0 during a 143-142 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on October 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his basket in overtime between Lonzo Ball #2 and Kyle Kuzma #0 during a 143-142 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on October 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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3. New Orleans Pelicans

One of last year’s most disappointing teams, the New Orleans Pelicans are primed to bounce back after winning the NBA Draft Lottery.

New Orleans will undoubtedly, unquestionably, unsurprisingly parley its six percent chance at getting the first overall pick into Zion Williamson. Still, the team’s likely return to prominence is based on much more than the franchise-altering talent.

The Pelicans were okay (or just below average) before trade talks and apathy clearly distracted Anthony Davis. Williamson likely, uh, should encourage him to refocus after a year clearly unhinged by distractions.

Then there’s Jrue Holiday, maybe the most unheralded player in the league. He returns after averaging 21.2 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, coupled with top-tier defense. Julius Randle, who finished top 25 in points and rebounds last season could still be retained if he opts out. With enough minutes, he could blow up.

The future of Davis remains the team’s most significant concern. The biggest question on the court, however, is how the Pelicans could mesh three stylistically similar players in Davis, Randle and Williamson.

Williamson likely begins as predominately wing player, where he feels comfortable. Randle returns as a force off the bench, a role he probably dislikes, but excels at. And Davis is the dominant overall threat at center. If they fit like a glove, New Orleans is playoff-bound.