The teams have returned to the facilities as the NBA continues to advance to the game schedule. While group exercises are still not allowed, players can train and do exercises as they prepare to travel to Orlando next week, and things feel a little more normal.
Early Thursday, the New Orleans Pelicans shared some photos of their players’ work, and it’s clear that Zion Williamson used his quarantine wisely. The rookie looked pretty torn when he was training in a mask, which gave him a bit of bane flair.
Given previous concerns about its weight and fitness, and the challenge of returning to play under these new circumstances, it’s a good sign that Williamson looks so ready. Coincidentally, he spoke to reporters at a conference call on Thursday and said, “I feel fine now,” while realizing that he has been training with his stepfather for the past few months.
His teammate Josh Hart even called Williamson and praised the newcomer for returning to the facility in such great shape.
Williamson and the pelicans face a big challenge in Orlando as they try to catch the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Currently 3.5 games behind the grizzlies, and given the format available, it will be almost impossible for the Pels to take first place in just eight seeding games, even if they have the simplest schedule.
The most likely outcome is a play-in tournament that will take place when the team with the ninth starting place is within four games after the eighth starting place. Although it is almost certain that a break-in situation will occur, the pelicans would benefit from overtaking the grizzlies and being in eighth place by the end of the season.
This is because the eighth seed only has to hit the ninth seed once to get into the playoffs, while the ninth seed has to hit the eighth seed twice in a row to reach the postseason spot. In any case, the pelicans will be one of the must-watch teams in Orlando, especially if Williamson continues where he left off.
