Pelicans Vs

Eastern Conference Catch-Up: Who's Surprising and Who's Disappointing?

Pelicans Soaring, Warriors Struggling

New Orleans Pelicans Lead the Way

The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season. After finishing with a league-worst 13-69 record last year, the Pelicans are now 39-26 and in contention for a playoff berth. The team's success has been fueled by the play of Zion Williamson, who is averaging 26.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Other key contributors include Brandon Ingram (24.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg), CJ McCollum (22.0 ppg, 5.1 apg), and Jonas Valanciunas (17.8 ppg, 12.4 rpg).

Golden State Warriors Struggle to Find Consistency

The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. After winning four championships in the past eight years, the Warriors are currently 29-33 and in danger of missing the playoffs. The team has been hampered by injuries to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, and they have struggled to find a consistent identity. Curry is still averaging 27.1 ppg, but he is shooting just 40.4% from the field and 33.0% from three-point range. Thompson is averaging 18.4 ppg, but he is also shooting just 39.6% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.

Eastern Conference Standings

The Eastern Conference standings are currently very tight, with the top six teams separated by just 3.5 games. The Milwaukee Bucks are in first place with a 41-16 record, followed by the Boston Celtics (40-17), Philadelphia 76ers (39-19), Cleveland Cavaliers (38-21), Brooklyn Nets (36-22), and Miami Heat (36-23). The Pelicans are currently in seventh place with a 39-26 record, and they are just 1.5 games out of first place. The Warriors are in 11th place with a 29-33 record, and they are 6.5 games out of a playoff spot.