The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans were separated by just one game in the standings in the tight Western Conference. They're both led by All-Stars and they have both, in the minds of many, overachieved.

Defensive improvement was the story for both of these teams. The Blazers were one of the most improved defensive teams in the league, going from the bottom 10 (last season) to the top 10 on that end of the floor. The Pelicans improved offensively this season, but they went from a bottom 10 defense at the time DeMarcus Cousins was lost for the season to a top 10 defense after the Cousins injury.

The Blazers will have home-court advantage in the first round for just the second time in the last 18 years. But the Pelicans have been one of the league's best teams on the road.

Here are some statistical notes to get you ready for the 3-6 series in the West, with links to let you dive in and explore more. Game 1 is Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Pace = Possessions per 48 minutes

OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions

DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions

NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions