New Orleans Pelicans Prepare for Second Half of Season

Team faces familiar challenges after up-and-down first half

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The New Orleans Pelicans have had an up-and-down first half of the NBA season, with a mix of promising performances and continued struggles. As the team heads into the All-Star break, fans are using familiar words to describe the team's performance so far.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have been trying to build momentum and establish themselves as a consistent playoff contender, but have faced injuries, inconsistency, and other challenges that have kept them from taking that next step. How they perform in the second half of the season could determine the direction of the franchise.

The details

The Pelicans have shown flashes of potential, with standout performances from their young core of players. However, the team has also dealt with injuries to key players and struggled to find a consistent rhythm, leading to an up-and-down first half of the season.

  • The NBA All-Star break is scheduled for February 14-16, 2026.

The players

New Orleans Pelicans

A professional basketball team based in New Orleans, Louisiana and a member of the NBA's Western Conference.

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What’s next

The Pelicans will look to regroup and refocus during the All-Star break, with the goal of coming out strong in the second half of the season and making a push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' first half of the season has been a mixed bag, with the team showing promise but also facing familiar challenges. How they respond in the second half will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise and their chances of becoming a consistent playoff contender.