Are the New Orleans Pelicans championship contenders?
The New Orleans Pelicans are the hottest team in the NBA right now, winning 9 of their last 10 games and are now the #1 seed in the West with a record of 18-8. Zion Williamson has been brilliant in the Pelicans seven game win streak coming up big by scoring 35 points in back to back games against the Phoenix Suns. The Pelicans are showing the potential many thought they would have with a healthy Zion but its been the supporting cast playing great as well. Brandon Ingram has been a consistent second option and CJ McCollum has been a great veteran scoring option especially in clutch situations. They have depth on the bench as well with players like rookie Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones and fan favorite Jose Alvarado who have been major contributors when on the court. With the level of play they have shown over this winning streak and over the course of this season thus far, the Pelicans are looking like they can be a scary team come playoff time. When you consider the fact that the Western Conference is as competitive as its ever been, the Pelicans should be on the short list of the top contenders to make a finals run.
Next week, the Pelicans look to add to their win streak as they take on the Utah Jazz in back to back games before going on the road to play the Phoenix Suns for the 3rd time in the last 5 games.
Should the Chicago Bulls blow up their roster?
The Chicago Bulls season has not gone as expected this year as they are under .500 at 12-14 sitting just outside the play in scenario with as an 11th seed. Though it is still early in the season, there are rumors that Bulls execs do not see this current roster going far and could look to make trades. With Bulls front office considering blowing up their roster, one would have to ask if that would be the right move. Despite their record so far, they do have a talented roster with Demar Derozan and Zach Lavine having all star level seasons. The question that should decide what the Bulls should do with their roster comes down to how good can they be at full strength. Their young point guard Lonzo Ball has been out with a knee injury sine Jan. 14th of last season and does not yet have a timetable for his return. Still, if they can eventually get him back in the lineup it would be interesting to see how much better they can be with him in the lineup. Last season, they were one of the best teams in the east with Ball in the lineup but began to struggle a bit without him. Those struggles have continued this season without their pass first point guard in Ball they have been an average offense despite the talent on the roster.
Next Week, the Bulls will play the New York Knicks in back to back games before closing out the week on the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Has the Miami Heat's title window closed?
Last season, the Miami Heat were just one shot away from their 2nd second finals appearance in 3 seasons. This year, they are struggling to find consistency as they are 5-5 in their last 10 games and a 10 seed with just a 12-15 record good enough for the last play in spot. Though they have a solid defense ranking 8th in the NBA, the problem has been their offense ranking 28th in scoring. Despite their 3 best players in Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro averaging over 20 points per game, they lack consistent scoring options elsewhere on the roster. Without a trade, it's going to be hard for the Heat as currently constructed to have a real chance to contend at the level they expected to. This season appears to mark the end to the Heat's title window in the Jimmy Butler era as many teams in the East have gotten better while the Heat could potentially miss the playoffs.
Next Week, the Heat will go on a 4 game road trip to take on the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs.
Game of the Week- Demar Derozan scores a game high 34 points but the Bulls lose in OT on a spectacular play from Hawks rookie AJ Griffin at the buzzer.
Source: NBA YouTube Channel
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