New Orleans Pelicans
2017-18 record: 48-34
2017-18 season series: 1-1
2018-19 advantage: Sixers
The Pelicans torched Portland in the first round, with Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday thoroughly outperforming the Blazers’ core. Their up-tempo offense and retooled frontcourt should prove effective once again.
Davis is the best big man in basketball, protecting the rim on one end and scoring at all three levels on the other. He alone makes the Pelicans a playoff threat, barring injury. He’s also one of the few centers who can out-match Embiid.
With that said, the Sixers are a more effective all-around team on defense. Their ability to control the pace on offense, combined with a more reliable bench, should give them the edge in this matchup.
The Pelicans are severely lacking in wing talent. With Rajon Rondo in L.A., they’ll also be relying on Elfrid Payton for major minutes, which hasn’t worked for teams in the past. Keep the Sixers on top.