As we all gear up for the NBA’s restart later this month, one of the teams worthy of a big spotlight are the New Orleans Pelicans.

How can they not? They arguably have the most electrifying young core in the league, one that can push the pace non-stop, swish a shot anywhere, throw down vicious dunks, and light up the scoreboard. Then, there’s also the cakewalk schedule they got blessed with.

Let’s take a peek at their remaining games.

It’s the easiest among the 22 invited teams, while the Memphis Grizzlies, the current eighth seed in the West who’s 3.5 games ahead of the Pelicans, have the hardest.

Many will continue to think that the NBA is trying desperately to sneak the Pels into the postseason, and it’s really time to drop it. Like any team in the restart, their new set of games was based on the original schedule, and basing it off that, the Pels do happen to have the lightest when compared to the field.

Can the Pelicans steal the eighth seed?

We first have to take a look at their most dangerous weapon: Zion Williamson. The rookie is continuing to mature, particularly when it comes to improving his body.

Zion appears to have added muscle during quarantine. He’s basically Bane right now.

While talking to the media earlier this week, the rookie discussed his thoughts about life in the pros, and how his mother is helping him take on the new path:

“The last 12 months have been a different experience … My mom tells me, ‘Life is life. You may go through a lot of bad times. You may go through a lot of good times. It’s just: Try to prepare yourself as best as you can.’”

Later, he also talked about his excitement for the team, especially when they are all healthy.

“I think this team can be really special when we’re all healthy.”

The injury bug has pestered the Pelicans throughout the season. Aside from Zion missing the team’s first 44 games due to a knee surgery, there’s also a revolving door of injuries among the other guys. Almost everyone in the main rotation has missed 10 or more games – guard Josh Hart is the lone exception but it isn’t much as he has been sidelined for nine contests.

Zion, for his part, has made up for the lost time. It was all systems go as soon as he finally stepped on the floor. In 19 games this season, he’s punching in 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on 58.9% shooting. In the middle of all that, he has also built a rapport with point guard Lonzo Ball, who’s always on the lookout for their next alley-oop play.

But, of course, it’s not just Zion and his aerial tandem with Ball. The Pelicans are boasting an exceptional youth movement. The list of strengths is actually intriguing. It’s offense, offense, and more offense – and explosiveness in between that.

For all of his faults, head coach Alvin Gentry was actually able to employ the classic scoring attack he’s always been known for, thanks to nicely playing off the abilities of his key players. That has resulted into the Pels putting up 116.2 points and 14.0 three-point field goals per game, both of which are top five in the league. As a young squad with not much chemistry to work with, it’s pretty respectable.

Things began to turnaround in late December. From December 23rd up to March 12th COVID-19 suspension, they went 21-13, with 10 of the 21 victories coming from teams with a winning record.

Brandon Ingram, in particular, has enjoyed a breakout season courtesy of the aggressive offense. He was allowed to create more and be in scoring positions he’s more comfortable with, and has thrived a lot. The fourth-year pro scored 20 or more points in his first 30 games this season, and it became a clear signal that he’s ready to be a go-to scorer. He’s had monster games against strong playoff contenders, most notably the 49-point outburst over the Utah Jazz back in mid-January, one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Ingram leads the Pels in scoring at 24.6 PPG.

Another is the strong play of point guards Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday. Along with Ball’s aforementioned growing chemistry with Zion is his well-known tendency to stuff the stat sheet (12.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 7.4 APG) and the growing efficiency from beyond the arc. Once criticized for his lack of outside game, he’s now recording 2.5 threes per game with a 38.3% shooting clip.

Holiday, meanwhile, is proving more and more to be a great fit for the crop of high-potential youngsters. He has grown as a crafty veteran floor general and is doing a good job setting up everyone (6.9 APG), all while playing the passing lanes well (1.7 SPG) and keeping his scoring duties (19.6 PPG).

Finally, there’s the trio of role players that are also filling some holes – JJ Redick, the resident sharpshooter who’s now 35 and still as accurate as one can be (14.5 PPG, 45.2% from 3), Josh Hart, the all-around hustle guy that can provide buckets when asked to (10.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG), and Derrick Favors, the good low-post presence (9.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 62 FG%).

It’s definitely looking really good for the Pelicans, but that third game against the Grizzlies will be very, very vital.

Overall, though, the Pels are really favoured for pretty much the last couple of contests. Unless they continuously choke or – knock on wood – get dealt with injuries again, we can expect a 6-2 finish in the eight seeding games.