In thick of playoff race, Pelicans brace for Nuggets

With the NBA in the bell lap of its season, the playoff picture is coming into focus -- but slowly.

There are 12 teams in the Western Conference that could be continuing on after the regular season ends on April 9, and the positioning is still in flux.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in the mixof constant change. New Orleans entered Wednesday sitting in eighth, which would mean a play-in tournament berth, but a few losses