Honestly, looking at the Western Conference table right now is a bit of a gut punch if you're a Pels fan. The New Orleans Pelicans standings currently have them sitting at 15th—dead last in the West. With a record of 10-33 as of mid-January 2026, it’s easy to just glance at the numbers and assume the season is a total wash. But if you've actually been watching the games at the Smoothie King Center, you know the vibe is way more complicated than just a win-loss column.
It's been a weird year.
The brutal reality of the Western Conference
The West is a meat grinder. Oklahoma City is playing like they’re from another planet, and even teams like the Spurs and Rockets have taken massive leaps forward. New Orleans, meanwhile, has been stuck in a cycle of "what if." What if Dejounte Murray hadn't torn his Achilles? What if the defense didn't give up 122 points a night?
Currently, the Pelicans are 25 games behind the first-place Thunder. That’s a massive gap. They've only managed three road wins all season. Three. You can't survive in this league if you can't win on the bus.
👉 See also: Last Match Man City: Why Newcastle Couldn't Stop the Semenyo Surge
Who’s actually showing up?
Despite the dismal record, individual performances have been kinda wild. Trey Murphy III is legitimately evolving into a superstar before our eyes. He’s averaging 22.2 points and shooting nearly 39% from deep on high volume. He just dropped 34 in that recent win against Brooklyn, and honestly, he’s the main reason to keep the TV on right now.
Then there’s Zion. It’s always about Zion, isn't it?
He’s played 27 games this year, which for him, is... okay? He’s averaging 22.4 points, but the rebounding and defensive intensity have been hit-or-miss. When he’s on, he’s still the most unguardable force in the paint. When he’s not, the Pelicans' defense (currently ranked 28th in the league) looks like a swinging gate.
✨ Don't miss: Cowboys Score: Why Dallas Just Can't Finish the Job When it Matters
- Trey Murphy III: 22.2 PPG, the undisputed bright spot.
- Zion Williamson: 22.4 PPG, but hasn't played enough to carry the standings.
- Jeremiah Fears: The rookie guard has been a spark plug, putting up 14.2 points and showing he belongs.
- Derik Queen: Leading the team in rebounds (7.5) and assists (4.3) as a big man, which is a weird and cool development.
The injury bug is more like an infestation
You can't talk about the New Orleans Pelicans standings without mentioning the training room. It's packed. Dejounte Murray is out until at least late February with that Achilles injury. Herb Jones—the heart of the defense—is sidelined with a nasty ankle sprain. Jose Alvarado is dealing with an oblique strain.
Basically, the Pelicans are playing with a "next man up" mentality where the "next man" was supposed to be in the G-League or at the end of the bench.
Coaching carousel and the Borrego era
Willie Green got the axe after a 2-10 start, which felt harsh to some but necessary to others. James Borrego took over as the interim, and while the record hasn't flipped overnight (8-23 under his watch), the offense is at least faster. They’re 11th in the league in pace now. They’re running. They just aren't always running toward a victory.
🔗 Read more: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
The defense is the real nightmare. Giving up 122.2 points per game is just unsustainable. You could have prime Michael Jordan on this roster, and you’d still struggle to win games if you’re letting opponents shoot 50% from the field every night.
What to expect moving forward
The Pels just beat the Nets 116-113, snapping a bit of a funk. They’ve got a road trip coming up starting in Indiana on January 16. If they want to climb out of the basement and at least challenge the Jazz or Kings for a higher lottery seed (or a miracle Play-In sniff), they have to figure out the defensive rotations.
Actionable insights for fans and bettors
If you're following the team closely, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the "Overs": Because the Pelicans score well (114.9 PPG) but defend poorly, their games are high-scoring.
- The DMV Connection: Keep an eye on the Maryland/Virginia guys like Derik Queen and Trey Murphy. They seem to have a specific chemistry that Borrego is leaning into.
- Draft Position: At 10-33, the front office is likely looking at the 2026 Draft. Joe Dumars and the staff are probably scouting heavily right now.
- Health Updates: Don't expect a standings surge until Dejounte Murray returns in late February. Until then, it's the Trey Murphy show.
The season isn't technically over, but the mountain is getting steeper every day. For New Orleans, the focus has shifted from "making a run" to "developing the kids" and praying the lottery balls bounce their way in June.
Monitor the injury report daily, especially for Herb Jones, as his defensive presence is the only thing that significantly shifts their winning probability. Pay close attention to the development of rookie Jeremiah Fears; his minutes are a direct indicator of whether the team has officially shifted into "tank and develop" mode. Keep an eye on Trey Murphy's trade value—though he's a cornerstone, the league is watching his breakout very closely.