The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night in a battle of two struggling Western Conference teams. While the Pelicans are on the second leg of a back-to-back after a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, the Trail Blazers are coming off a 118-115 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
Pelicans Storylines
The most pressing question for the Pelicans centers on Zion Williamson. After returning from injury in Tuesday night’s loss to the Timberwolves, Zion will be unavailable due to return to competition reconditioning. With Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Brandon Ingram all out, New Orleans will have more than 60 points on the sidelines.
That puts the spotlight back on CJ McCollum. The former Portland star has been the Pelicans’ most consistent offensive weapon this season, averaging 22.1 points per game. McCollum’s recent stretch of eight games saw him shooting 51.8% from the field and an impressive 49.3% from deep, but he came back to Earth with a rough outing against Minnesota, scoring just five points on 1-of-14 shooting. Will the matchup against his old team reignite his scoring touch?
The Pelicans will have difficulty scoring easy baskets if the past is prologue. Portland has limited New Orleans to 12 fast break points per game and only 38 points in the points.
As a team, New Orleans has struggled on defense, allowing 117.1 points per game and being outscored by nearly 10 points per contest. The Pelicans haven’t fared much better against the Blazers, surrendering 115.3 points per game over three meetings.
Trail Blazers Notes
Portland enters the matchup hoping to bounce back from their loss to Detroit. The young Blazers have shown flashes of competitiveness but have lacked consistency.
One of Portland’s bright spots has been their offensive rebounding. Deandre Ayton averages 2.8 offensive boards per game, contributing to the team’s 12.3 offensive rebounds per contest, which ranks seventh in the league. The Pelicans’ frontcourt will need to be sharp to prevent Ayton and the Blazers from dominating the second-chance points battle.
Yves Missi will need to play well. While he has taken major steps as a rookie, he’s averaged just 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in three games against Portland.
Deni Avdija, if available, could be a key contributor for the Blazers, averaging 13.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. His versatility and ability to play multiple roles on the floor could create problems for a depleted Pelicans roster.
The Trail Blazers’ three-point shooting has not been a strength. Portland ranks 27th in the NBA in 3P% (.336) and 24th in makes from beyond the arc (12.0). Limiting open looks and preventing the visitors from getting into a rhythm will be key. Por
The Last Word
On paper, this game appears to favor Portland, given their rest advantage and the Pelicans’ struggles on the second night of a back-to-back (0-8 this season). However, if CJ McCollum can find his groove and the Pelicans can control the boards, they have a chance to pull off a much-needed victory.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Portland Trail Blazers | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Anfernee Simons | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Shaedon Sharpe | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Toumani Camara | F – Herb Jones |
| F – Deni Avdija | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Deandre Ayton | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Portland Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija (right wrist sprain) and Donovan Clingan (rest) are QUESTIONABLE. Jerami Grant (face contusion) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (right elbow soreness/right shin contusion) is QUESTIONABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Trey Murphy (left ankle sprain), and Zion Williamson (competition reconditioning) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (7–30) vs Portland Trail Blazers (12-23)
Season Series:
- Oct. 25: Pelicans def. Trail Blazers, 105-103
- Oct. 27: Trail Blazers def. Pelicans, 125-103
- Nov. 4: Trail Blazers def. Pelicans, 118-100
- Jan. 8: Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers
Series History: The Pelicans are 39-39 all-time against the Portland Trail Blazers and have lost two in a row against the Blazers. Before that, the Pelicans had won seven straight in the series.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Jan. 8, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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