The New Orleans Pelicans clinched their spot in the playoffs with a 105-98 win over the Sacramento Kings in Friday night’s Western Conference play-in game.
This victory earned the No. 8 seed Pelicans a first-round matchup with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
After the game, Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. faced the media and quickly found himself backpedaling after a poorly chosen phrase regarding the upcoming series.
“Respectfully, I’m just… I’m betting on the Pels,” Nance stated.
Realizing the implications amid the recent Jontay Porter betting controversy, Nance hastened to clarify his comments, sparking laughter from the reporters with his emphatic retraction.
“I’m not betting. No Jontay Porter. I’m not betting. I’m not betting on anything. I don’t own a betting app, none of that!” he insisted.
The challenge is steep for Nance and the Pelicans, particularly without their star forward Zion Williamson, sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in their earlier play-in game against the Lakers.
The series between the Pelicans and the Thunder begins with Game 1 scheduled for 9:30 pm ET on Sunday.
