Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction: A crucial game for both squads

The NBA Regular Season is on and we are entering the last phase of the Playoffs where each game holds a ton of value. From here on, the race to the Play-in spots(4) and the top-six Playoffs spots is going to reach a peak. In a game that holds a lot of value for the Play-in spot, the Portland Trail Blazers are going to take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Trail Blazers come into this game after losing 105:123 against the Warriors despite a 25 points performance by Damian Lillard. In that game, the team gave away a 17-point lead built in the first half, which symbolizes their season-long struggle. They have now lost six of their last nine games, losing 32 and winning 29 games. They will hit a six-game road trip after this game and this can further deter their progress. Only Damian Lillard has shown offensive consistency, averaging over 30 points and the injuries to Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic have further culled the ambitions of Portland. 

The Pels come into this match after losing 93:101 to the Magic despite a 25 points performance by Brandon Ingram. They have now lost four in a row and their season has derailed ever since Zion Williamson has been injured. They have lost 15 of their 18 games and because of that, they have slipped to 32 losses and 30 wins. From being a top-four team, the Pels are now on the peripheries of the Play-in scenario which means they have their work cut out. CJ McCollum has been struggling this season but Brandon Ingram has breathed a little life into the Pels’ offense.

• Trail Blazers: OUT: Anfernee Simons, Justise Winslow, Jusuf Nurkic, Ibou Badji. Game-Time Decision: Ryan Arcidiano;
• Pelicans: OUT: Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado, Larry Nance Jr., EJ Lidell. Game-Time Decisions: Jonas Valanciunas, Josh Richardson.

The Trail Blazers will play the second game on the second night but being at home means they will have some comfort. The Pels haven’t played well and they have weakened further without Larry Nance, Alvarado, and an injured Jonas Valanciunas. CJ McCollum will need to step it up to aid Ingram. I believe this will be a close game with Portland winning in the closing moments. I predict a scoreline of 119:115 in favor of the Trail Blazers.