New Orleans Pelicans: 5 reasons the Pels will make the playoffs
By Eliot Clough
4. LaMarcus Aldridge injury
The Spurs are arguably one of the greatest basketball franchises in the history of the NBA.
See the fact that the team, led by Gregg Popovich, has made 22 straight playoff appearances. The Philadelphia 76ers are the only other organization to accomplish the feat.
Pairing their current record of 27-36 and the fact that LaMarcus Aldridge will be out the remainder of the season, and it looks like that streak will come to an end.
For the Pelicans, one of their most formidable foes would be that of the Spurs, despite the team’s current record and lack of talent.
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New Orleans remains one of the youngest teams remaining in the NBA, and given San Antonio is known for savvy vets along with their ever-experienced coach in Popovich, it’s no surprise that the Spurs would be the Pelicans kryptonite in their second matchup this season.
One can’t forget Aldridge’s stat line the night the Spurs and Pels faced off in the Smoothie King Center, January 22nd of this year. Of which was Zion’s debut.
The former Trail Blazer put up 32 points and hauled in 14 rebounds while shooting 12-20 from the field. Derrick Favors, who is arguably New Orleans’ best defender, did as much as he could to hold his own, but Aldridge was too much.
One has to factor in that Zion was clearly not as fit as he will be in these seeding games, and he will have much more of an impact. However, Aldridge did more than hold his own, and would likely continue to do so in their matchup on August 9.
Put Aldridge to the wayside and there’s one win added to the Pels total on the season.