Shameka Nixon/Pelicans Contributor 

New Orleans,LA – The New Orleans Pelicans return to action for the first time since the pandemic stoppage that halted the world. The NBA weighed a number of safety, health and logistic challenges before formatting the schedule for the remaining year.  The New Orleans Pelicans who are 28-36 reopen the schedule July 30th against the Utah Jazz (41-23) in Orlando,FLA.

Once the 2019-2020 NBA season gets underway on July 31 in Orlando, each of the 22 teams invited to compete will play eight seeding games that will conclude the regular season. The first of those seven seeds in each conference will be locked into place, while the No. 9 seed from each conference will have a play-in series if they are within four games of the No. 8 seed.

The Pel’s were on a two game winning streak before the season stoppage with Brandon Ingram averaging 24.2 and a All-star for the first time. The Pelicans schedule for the final eight games are as follows:

       New Orleans Pelicans

• July 30: Jazz

• August 2: Clippers

• August 3: Grizzlies

• August 6: Kings

• August 7: Wizards

• August 9: Spurs

• August 11: Kings

• August 13: Magic

Many experts believe the Pel’s have the easiest route into the playoffs but the team has to retrieve the rhythm they had before the break. The good news is that both team stars Zion Wiliamson and Allstar Brandon Ingram are completely healthy. New Orleans has versatile mix of players and talent that can pose a serious threat to any challenger. I for one am glad that NBA basketball is back and ready to see the Pel’s back on the big stage again, even if that means without fans in the stands.

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