Halo

The New Orleans Pelicans' playoff hopes are bruised, battered and barely breathing, but a faint pulse still remains with about a third of the season left.

Injuries to key players like Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson are likely to wind up as New Orleans’ downfall, though the ninth-place Phoenix Suns’ wild trade deadline moves allow a sliver of light to remain for the 28-27 Pels, currently 10th in the Western Conference.

The eighth-place Oklahoma City Thunder, despite an injury to Kevin Durant, appear to be in the driver’s seat with Russell Westbrook destroying all who step in his path.

But, again, the Pelicans can’t be counted out just yet. It's not a promising situation, but the games still have to be played.

Detailed on the following slides is a checklist for the Pelicans to claw their way into the postseason.

Sometimes, lists are simply overambitious—there’s no way to check off every single peg.

How did walking the dog, fixing that leak in the roof, working out, building a patio, going shopping, getting all your work done and watching your favorite team play go this weekend?

Exactly.

NOLA is probably in over its head, but crazier things have happened. If the ball bounces their way, this could be the Pelicans' first playoff berth of the Anthony Davis era.

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