NBA Schedule 2016-17: 5 toughest schedules

By John Buhler | Aug 12, 2016

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 08: Brook Lopez #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Denver Nuggets at the Barclays Center on February 8, 2016 in Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Nets defeated the Nuggets 105-104. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Buddy Hield (Oklahoma) shows off the inside of his jacket after being selected as the number six overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

69. . West. Southwest. New Orleans Pelicans. 4. player

Even though the New Orleans Pelicans got the perimeter scorer they desperately needed by drafting Naismith Player of the Year in shooting guard Buddy Hield with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, New Orleans is still easily the worst team in the Southwest Division.

Last season, New Orleans’ four division rivals all qualified for the 2016 Western Conference Playoffs. With the free agency moves made by all four of the Pelicans’ division rivals, New Orleans will again be the lone team in the Southwest to not qualify for the 2017 Western Conference Playoffs.

A healthy Anthony Davis may improve the Pelicans’ fortunes, but general manager Dell Demps will need to continue to pick new front office executive Danny Ferry’s brain to overcome their 15-man roster quagmire. Even if Ferry does help Demps make smart front office moves, the Pelicans’ schedule won’t be kind this year.

Out of the Pacific Division, the Pelicans do catch a break with regards to the Los Angeles Clippers. They’ll only have to play Doc Rivers’ team three times. That being said, New Orleans has four meetings with the best team in the West in the Golden State Warriors.

The Northwest Division could feature three, maybe four playoff teams: the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Utah Jazz. New Orleans faces Minnesota and Utah three times and superior Oklahoma City and Portland four times. With Davis at full strength, will New Orleans even eclipse 30 wins this year?

Next: 3. Los Angeles Lakers.

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