Portland Trail Blazers vs
New Orleans PelicansPredictions & Preview

Portland Trail Blazers to Face New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center After Recent Loss

The Portland Trail Blazers will face the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Monday night following a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Pelicans will come into the game on a back-to-back, playing on Sunday. Despite opening as the betting favorite with a -2.5 line, there has been no movement in the odds. Stay tuned for a prediction and breakdown of the upcoming game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Trail Blazers +115 | Pelicans -135
• Spread: Trail Blazers +2.5 (-110) | Pelicans -2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 221 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that New Orleans will win straight-up is 57%.

Portland vs New Orleans Stats

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a tough loss to the Phoenix Suns, being outscored 44-18 in the third quarter ultimately losing 103-97. Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant led the team with 20 points each. Despite cutting the deficit to 99-97 in the final minute, the Suns were able to secure the win with two free throws. Concerns linger for Grant and other veterans as the front office may prioritize strengthening their draft lottery odds, impacting playing time. Portland ranks near the bottom of the NBA in shooting percentage and defensive performance, struggling to meet Coach Chauncey Billups' expectations. With a power ranking of 27, the team is ranked 27th in offense and 17th in defense, holding a 2-5 record this season. Defensively, they allow an average of 114.86 points per game while shooting 41.61% from the field and 34.31% from three-point range. On the defensive end, they allow 45.69% field goals and 36.65% three-pointers.

New Orleans Pelicans Analysis

New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a strong performance led by Zion Williamson and Jordan Hawkins. Despite injuries to key players, the team's reserves stepped up in their recent win against the Indiana Pacers. Coach Willie Green continues to rely on a patchwork lineup due to multiple players being out with injuries. The team's shooting percentages and offensive and defensive rankings indicate areas for improvement. New Orleans will need their backups to hit shots and contribute alongside Williamson and Brandon Ingram in order to continue their success.

Zion Williamson's Strong Recovery Boosts New Orleans Pelicans' Chances Against Portland Trail Blazers

The New Orleans Pelicans are scheduled to play on Sunday, with it being the second leg of a back-to-back game. Despite concerns about the team's injury roster, Zion Williamson appears to be in good health, indicating that Coach Willie Green may choose to play him in this upcoming game. Williamson demonstrated a strong recovery in his recent performance, significantly improving his shooting percentage from 25% to 70%. It is worth noting that the Pelicans are currently shooting 35% from beyond the arc, ranking them 15th in the NBA. To secure a win, the team may need to rely on their bench players, such as Jordan Hawkins, who delivered an impressive 23-point performance in the last game. Additionally, the Portland Trail Blazers have struggled defensively, making this an opportune matchup for the Pelicans. Based on these factors, it is advisable to consider supporting the New Orleans Pelicans in this upcoming game.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]