New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers: Pelicans will be a tough nut to crack in the Play-in tournament

NBA Regular Season is going to reach the concluding stages and the Play-in tournament will serve as the Prelude to the Playoffs. In this game, one of the Play-in teams the New Orleans Pelicans will take on a highly depleted Portland Trail Blazers. The Pelicans have played some wonderful basketball since March and as a result, they have entered the ninth position in the West, meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are heading to the lottery after an abysmal season.

Pelicans route to the Playoffs

The Pelicans will need to win two games in a row during the Play-in tournament and their first match-up will be versus the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have been playing an inspirational brand of basketball lately and they will pose multiple threats to the Pelicans especially if DeJounte Murray is playing. Credit to the Pelicans that their defense has been superb these days and bringing in rookie Herbert Jones to the starting lineup has bolstered the team’s overall defense. Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum have been terrific on the offensive end. CJ has bolstered the shooting while Ingram has acted as both a scorer and a playmaker. Valanciunas is huge on the boards but the bench depth of the team has been suspect at times.

Trail Blazers’ tough season

At this point, the Trail Blazers are fielding third or even fourth-string units. All of their key players are injured and have been shut down for the rest of the season. The Trail Blazers will have some promise next season considering the Guard duo of Lillard and Simons can complement each other while Josh Hart can slate in as the all-around wing. Jusuf Nurkic was playing well before his injury and his rebounding and inside scoring has been highly beneficial. Nasir Little also displayed two-promise at the Forward position and can address the lack of athleticism in the lineup. Who will the team draft in the offseason? And what new players they will bring to the fray?

• Pelicans: Jonas Valanciunas is QUESTIONABLE for the game. Zion Williamson and Kira Lewis Jr. are OUT for the game;
• Trail Blazers: Brandon Williams is QUESTIONABLE for the game. Josh Hart, Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Joe Ingles, Nasir Little, Justise Winslow, Trendon Watford, and Damian Lillard are OUT for the game.

Assuming these players are available, below are my player-based statistics predictions:

• I see CJ McCollum scoring at least 27 points;
• I believe Drew Eubanks will grab at least 9 rebounds;
• I see Brandon Ingram collecting at least 7 assists;
• I see Keon Johnson being held under 15 points;
• I believe Jaxson Hayes will score at least 12 points.

Points Range: The Pelicans have been a well-oiled machine on the offensive end with Ingram and McCollum acting both as facilitators and scorers, although Ingram’s scoring is a bit down after returning from injury. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers have relied upon athletic guard Keon Johnson for the bulk of their offense but overall, their offense has been among one of the worst in the league these days while teams like Pelicans are also bound to expose their defensive frailties. The Pelicans can use some of their bench players to play high minutes if this is a blowout early in the first half and Devonte Graham needs to get back in rhythm to bolster the up-and-down three-point shooting of the Pels. I see the Pelicans coming with a strong effort and the total points range as 220-230.

Prediction: I see the Pelicans coming up with a strong effort here and even if they utilize some of their bench players for most parts, it is tough to see the current Trail Blazers dealing a decisive blow on the Pels, that too away from home. That is why I pick the Pelicans to win this game 123:100

• 1st Half: Spread: NO Pelicans -10.0 for 1.90;
• Total 1 Over 120.5 for 1.92;
• Total Under 224.5 for 1.87;