Halo

Every time they appear to be down for the count, the New Orleans Pelicans get up and keep on fighting.

The team closed out February on a high note, racking up a season-high five consecutive wins, all without MVP candidate Anthony Davis, starting point guard Jrue Holiday and bench anchor Ryan Anderson—three of the team’s top four players.

Atlanta Hawks-style team basketball led by Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon and Quincy Pondexter helped carry the Pels to a 6-5 record in a month that included eight games against the Eastern Conference. Had the 'Cans been at full strength, it’s likely they would’ve come away with at least two more wins.

The coming 31 days will be an action-packed, 15-game sprint. The busy month could propel New Orleans deeper into the playoff conversation, as seven games will be against low-level competition. However, six of the remaining eight contests are against plus-.500 teams in the West.

And then there is April, during which the Pels hope to play their most meaningful basketball of the year. But first, they have to take care of business in March.

With Davis, Holiday and Anderson all (potentially) returning this month, the Pelicans will look to stay alive in an increasingly tight race for the eighth seed.

New Orleans currently stands at just a half-game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the final playoff spot. The “S” on Russell Westbrook’s chest is becoming bolder each time he hits the court, but OKC has looked vulnerable without reigning MVP Kevin Durant.

It would be unwise to bet the deed to your house on a Pelicans playoff berth, but don’t chalk up this race as a Thunder victory just yet.

The Pels haven’t folded all year. With a postseason appearance attainable, now isn't the time to start.

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