NBA 2025-2026: New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction

Both teams have been struggling recently, with the New Orleans Pelicans on a three-game losing streak. They have suffered defeats against the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, conceding over 125 points in two of these encounters. This trend suggests potential defensive vulnerabilities that the Trail Blazers could exploit. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have shown a glimpse of potential with a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, although they have faced setbacks against the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons. Evaluating the starting lineups, the Pelicans' offense is spearheaded by Trey Murphy III with an average of 21.04 points per game, while their collective defensive ratings indicate potential areas of concern. Saddiq Bey and Jeremiah Fears add depth to their offensive strategy. For Portland, Deni Avdija leads with an impressive average of 25.83 points per game and the highest offensive rating among starters, while Robert Williams, despite a lower scoring average, boasts a significant defensive impact with a rating of 112.1. This could be pivotal in countering the Pelicans’ attacking threats.