In the recent play-in game, the Jeetbuzz Login Pelicans, despite holding home-court advantage, couldn’t withstand the surge of the youthful Thunder squad. “Bargain like the poor, pay like a gentleman” seemed to echo through Smoothie King Center as New Orleans fought desperately to keep their postseason hopes alive. Brandon Ingram, battling through an ankle injury, pushed himself to the brink—draining a high-difficulty three-pointer in the final seconds in a last-ditch effort to save the season. But the buzzer eventually sounded, and so did the Pelicans’ campaign, ending in disappointment in the very first play-in round.

The result was a stark contrast to the Jeetbuzz Login experts’ projections at the season’s start. Just a year ago, the Pelicans had been the darlings of the play-in format—defeating the Spurs and upsetting the Clippers to secure a playoff berth. Their gritty first-round showing against the top-seeded Suns had many believing it was the beginning of a new era. With Zion Williamson’s return on the horizon and roster chemistry building, the Pelicans looked poised to take the next step. Many believed they were on the verge of breaking into the Western Conference’s elite title-chasing tier.

That optimism wasn’t misplaced. Zion returned over the summer and signed a massive max extension. The Pelicans also secured CJ McCollum with a contract extension, and once the new season began, they hit the ground running, showcasing energy, cohesion, and fast-rising momentum. But following a loss to the 76ers came the devastating update—Zion was sidelined again, this time with a hamstring injury.

While such injuries often vary in severity, Zion’s unique build doesn’t allow for conventional treatment timelines. Despite his reluctance, he agreed to a prolonged recovery period, vanishing from public view as his absence grew longer. His injury triggered contractual clauses and will significantly impact his future earnings. Yet from the Pelicans’ perspective, the disappointment is equally personal. With Zion healthy, the team enjoyed a dual-core balance between him and Ingram. Their raw talent alone could overwhelm opponents on many nights.

Without him, however, Ingram was left isolated and overburdened. Slender and often double-teamed, he bore the brunt of opposing defenses. As for the Pelicans as a whole, their defensive metrics remained strong thanks to length and athleticism—but offensively, the cracks widened. They slipped down the standings and ultimately into the unforgiving play-in bracket, where one off night spelled elimination.

Of course, Zion shouldn’t shoulder all the blame. Ingram also missed a significant chunk of the season. As the saying goes, your mind is a tool, not decoration—and now, the front office must make tough decisions. Jeetbuzz Login suggests the offseason shouldn’t just be about assigning blame—it must also spark reflection. Is building around the Zion-Ingram duo still a viable strategy?

Truthfully, the Pelicans have little room to pivot. By re-signing Zion last summer despite the health risks, they effectively locked in their direction. Whether that decision proves wise or costly remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the road back to relevance will require more than talent alone. It will take resilience, clarity, and a bit of soul-searching in New Orleans.