NEW ORLEANS — A few weeks ago, the New Orleans Pelicans were at the top of the Western Conference standings, but if the playoffs started today, they would be in the Play-In tournament.
The new year has not been kind to the Pels. In 15 games since January 1, they are just 3-12.
All-Star forward Zion Williamson appeared in one of those games but did not finish after straining his right hamstring. Williamson still hasn't returned, and he could be out until the All-Star break. The Pelicans have said that Williamson will be re-evaluated next week.
Williamson isn't the only Pelican to miss major time this year; forward Brandon Ingram missed two months with a left great toe injury.
Ingram returned last week but was rusty, averaging 17.5 points per game on 30 percent shooting from the field.
Even with Ingram coming back, the team still was not able to stop their losing skid. It's now eight games after their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
The eight-game losing streak is the Pels longest losing streak since their horrific start to last season when they lost nine straight.
“I thought our effort was there,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said following the loss. “I thought we fought. It just wasn't enough tonight.”
Third-year guard Kira Lewis Jr. shined against the Bucks scoring 15 points in 26 minutes. Lewis missed most of last season with torn ACL.
"He's [Lewis] been building toward this, towards a game like this," Green said.
For the past few weeks, he's been going back and forth to the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans G-League affiliate.
"It's good to see him [Lewis] on the floor, and you kinda forget how fast he is. When he uses his speed like that, it's pretty dynamic to watch," Green said.
Green was asked if Kira has earned more minutes, and he said it's something that'll have to look at.
Lewis isn't the only young Pelican to take advantage of the extra minutes this year. Second and third-year pros Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall, and Jose Alvarado have all filled in the starting lineup and produced.
With just 31 games left in the season, the Pelicans shouldn't panic. They are just one game back of fourth place in the Western Conference despite the losing streak, but they are also just one game from eleventh place, which would put them out of the Play-In tournament.
Only the 7-10 seeds qualify for the Play-In tournament.
The Pelicans will play at Denver on Tuesday in the second game of their three-game road trip.
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