EASTERN BENEFITS: Can the Pelicans BREAK Into Easier Playoffs With NBA Expansion Plans Unfolding?

NBA expansion rumors swirl, but could the New Orleans Pelicans finally switch to the Eastern Conference? Jake Madison reveals why a move east is unlikely, breaking down league geography, travel reduction strategies, and which teams—Minnesota Timberwolves or Memphis Grizzlies—are more probable candidates. How would a conference shift impact the Pelicans’ playoff prospects in a stacked Western Conference versus a less crowded East? Jeremiah Fears and DerIk Queen bring excitement to an otherwise overlooked Pelicans All-Star Weekend, showcasing their skills in the Rising Stars Game. Madison explores how their performances and ball-handling might catch attention from future free agents and boost New Orleans’ appeal. Plus, with the Birmingham Squadron relocating to Kenner as the “Laketown Squadron,” proximity could mean big benefits for player development and emergency call-ups. Will the Pelicans capitalize on young talent and strategic moves to change their NBA fortunes? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba#NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans   Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.  Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.   ZocDocStop putting off those doctor appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/LOCKEDONNBA to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.   WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Wayfair. Every style. Every home.   5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelToday’s episode is sponsored by FanDuel. The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.