Pelicans Host Short-Handed Blazers as Both Teams Look for Momentum
Friday night’s matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans comes with very different records, but a similar sense of urgency on both sides. The game is being played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, and while it may not look like a marquee clash on paper, there’s plenty of context that makes it interesting right now.
Portland enters the game with a 14–20 record and is in the middle of a three-game road trip. That trip got off to a rough start in Oklahoma City, where the Blazers were overwhelmed in a 124–95 loss on New Year’s Eve. That game was essentially decided by defense, as Portland was forced into 25 turnovers and was held to just 39 percent shooting. It was one of their lowest-scoring performances of the season, and the lack of rhythm was noticeable from the opening minutes.
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That struggle has been made worse by injuries. Portland is missing a long list of key players, including Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley, and Jrue Holiday. With so many regular contributors sidelined, rotations have been stretched thin, and lineups have been patched together night by night. It has been clear that execution is being tested, especially late in games and against elite defensive teams.
New Orleans, meanwhile, comes into the matchup with an 8–27 record, one of the worst marks in the NBA. After a surprising five-game winning streak last month, the Pelicans have dropped five straight, including a 134–118 loss to the Chicago Bulls earlier this week. Despite the loss, Zion Williamson stood out, finishing with 31 points and seven rebounds. His presence has changed the dynamic for New Orleans, especially since he missed the first two meetings against Portland earlier this season due to injury.
This will be the third of four meetings between these teams, and the season series is currently split. The most recent matchup, played in New Orleans on December 11, was controlled by the Pelicans in a 143–120 win. That game showed how dangerous New Orleans can be when their offense gets going, particularly in transition.
The Pelicans are also dealing with injuries of their own. Several key players are out, and rookie center Derik Queen will miss this game with a quad injury. Even so, the rebuilding Pelicans have seen encouraging signs from their young players, especially rookies who have been asked to take on major roles earlier than expected.
With Portland favored slightly despite being on the road, this game feels like one that could swing either way. For the Blazers, a bounce-back performance is being sought after a humbling loss. For the Pelicans, the focus is on stopping the slide and building something positive at home. One way or another, something will be learned about both teams when the ball goes up Friday night.
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