The New Orleans Pelicans are set to host the Portland Trail Blazers for the third time in just two weeks, continuing a competitive early-season series between the teams. After splitting two games in Portland, the Pelicans aim to bounce back on Monday night, recovering from a 126-111 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
Both teams have experienced early challenges, struggling to find consistency due to injuries and a few rough patches. For the Pelicans, injuries have heavily impacted their lineup, with Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, and Zion Williamson missing games so far. In their absence, Brandon Ingram has become the focal point of New Orleans’ offense. Ingram stepped up with an efficient 32-point performance against Atlanta, hitting 4 of 8 from three-point range, but the Pelicans will need even more from him to keep pace with a Blazers team that has played them tightly.
Ingram has worked to expand his offensive game by increasing his three-point attempts, which should benefit Ingram and the Pelicans in the long-term. “It’s going to make his life easy,” Green noted, emphasizing that Ingram’s perimeter shooting opens up driving lanes and free-throw opportunities. However, with limited offensive support and young players still finding their rhythm, New Orleans must cut down on turnovers to compete with a Portland team that capitalizes on mistakes.
Portland, coming off back-to-back losses to Oklahoma City and Phoenix, is also eager to turn things around. The Blazers struggled in third quarters of both games, squandering halftime leads in each and ultimately falling short. Head coach Chauncey Billups, however, saw positives in his team’s tenacity, especially their rally against Phoenix, where they closed a 22-point deficit to just two points late in the game. The Blazers will look to build on that resilience as they prepare to face a Pelicans team on the second night of a back-to-back.
Players to Watch
For the Trail Blazers, Jerami Grant has proven to be a reliable force against New Orleans. Averaging 31 points in the previous two matchups, he brings three-point shooting and shot-blocking to the table, while Anfernee Simons poses a dual threat as a scorer and playmaker. Deandre Ayton has contributed solid rebounding and inside scoring in this season series.
The Pelicans will lean heavily on Ingram and second-year guard Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins has emerged as a bright spot in New Orleans’ lineup, scoring a season-high 24 points in their win over Portland, and his three-point shooting (37.5%) will be crucial to stretch Portland’s defense. Hawkins has raised his scoring average from 7.8 to 17.6 points per game this season. New starter Yves Missi also brings value as a shot-blocker and rebounder, providing some much-needed interior presence for a Pelicans squad that’s had to adjust frequently to a shifting rotation.
With both teams still finding their footing, this matchup could turn on defensive execution, and who can control the game’s tempo. The Pelicans need to keep their turnovers in check and aim to avoid costly runs like the one that derailed them in the second half against Atlanta. Meanwhile, Portland’s focus will be on maintaining composure out of halftime, as they’ve struggled to close out games with strong third quarters.
As the Pelicans continue to navigate their injury challenges, they’ll be looking to Ingram and Hawkins to lead the charge and secure a crucial early-season win against a familiar opponent.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Portland Trail Blazers | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Anfernee Simons | G – Jose Alvarado |
| G – Deni Avdija | G – Jordan Hawkins |
| F – Toumani Camara | F – Javonte Green |
| F – Jerami Grant | F – Brandon Ingram |
| C – Deandre Ayton | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Hawkins (lower back tightness) and Zion Williamson (right thigh soreness) are QUESTIONABLE. Herbert Jones (right shoulder strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor soreness), Trey Murphy III (right hamstring strain), and Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture) are OUT.
Portland Trail Blazers: Robert Williams III (left hamstring strain) is PROBABLE. Shaedon Sharpe (left shoulder posterior labral tear) and Matisse Thybulle (right knee inflammation) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (3-4) vs Portland Trail Blazers (2-5)
Season Series:
- Oct. 25: Pelicans def. Trail Blazers, 105-103
- Oct. 27: Trail Blazers def. Pelicans, 125-103
- Nov. 4: Pelicans vs Trail Blazers
- Jan. 8: Pelicans vs Trail Blazers
Series History: The Pelicans are 39-38 all-time vs the Trail Blazers. New Orleans is 1-1 against Portland this season.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Nov. 4, 8:30 PM CT
Where to watch: Pelicans+, GCSEN
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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