The Pelicans Keys to Their Playoff Push

Dec 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward

(1) dribbles the ball around New York Knicks guard

(21) during the second quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Pelicans MUST Continue to Beat Bad Teams

The ability to take care of business against teams with little playoff aspiration has long been a key to punching a ticket to the postseason. For New Orleans to sneak into postseason play for the first time since Monty Williams‘ first season four years ago, they will need all of the easy wins they can get.

As of December 22nd, the Pelicans are sitting at a 9-2 record against sub .500 teams this season (excluding the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will not be under .500 for long). If New Orleans wants even a whiff of the playoffs, they will need to stay sharp and keep taking advantage of these games.

Perhaps the most encouraging detail of the 9-2 record thus far is that they have only played eleven of these games.

The Pelicans can look forward to a much softer schedule as 2015 rolls around, as they will be facing most of the mediocre Eastern Conference in the New Year. Any sane fan would look forward to a five game stretch facing the likes of the Celtics, Pistons, Sixers, Raptors (the exception of this list) and Knicks in place of the powers of the West.

Although games against fellow playoff teams are important as well, the Pelicans must maintain their success against the worse teams in the NBA.

Next: To WIN on the court, STAY on the court