New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Betting Odds, Injuries and DFS Tips
The New Orleans Pelicans begin the playoff push with an important road game against the Portland Trail Blazers that has Western Conference playoff implications.
The New Orleans Pelicans (23-32) are coming off a frustrating loss to the Thunder in the final game before the All-Star Break. The Pelicans have been playing well since the return of Zion Williamson, who poured in a career-high 32 points against Oklahoma City. The Portland Trail Blazers (25-31) lost two in a row before the break, including getting blown out 138-117 by the Pelicans behind another big game from Zion.
After last night’s loss by the Memphis Grizzlies, the New Orleans Pelicans sit just five games behind the eight seed, but the San Antonio Spurs and Trail Blazers are still blocking their path. The Pelicans can climb to within a half game of the Trail Blazers with a win tonight, in what should be a high-scoring and exciting matchup with a playoff atmosphere.
All of the final 27 games are important but particularly games against Portland, Memphis and San Antonio, which could ultimately decide who gets the last spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Gameday information
Tip-off: 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Sports Northwest; ESPN
Radio: KPOJ 620 AM
Streams: FUBO.TV and WatchESPN
Last time out: Pelicans (23–32) lost 123-118 to the Oklahoma City Thunder; Trail Blazers lost 111-104 to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Betting Odds
Line: Pelicans -4.5
Over/under: 238.5
Moneylines: Pelicans -189; Trail Blazers +180
ATS: Pelicans 27-24-3; Trail Blazers 23-32-1
ATS splits: Pelicans 12-11-3 on the road; Trail Blazers 11-14-1 at home
O/U splits: Pelicans 15-11 on the road; Trail Blazers 16-10 at home
*All lines and betting information provided by The Action Network.
Injury reports
The official injury report has not been released but Brandon Ingram will make his return to the Pelicans’ lineup. The Pelicans are now at full strength and list no players on their current injury report.
The Trail Blazers will be shorthanded, with superstar Damian Lillard out with a minor groin injury. Rodney Hood, Mario Hezonja and Nassir Little are also listed as out for tonight’s game.
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DFS tips
There is a lot of potential fantasy value in this game, even with Lillard out with an injury. Though he hasn’t fared particularly well against Portland in the past, Lonzo Ball could be a value play at $6.9k with Lillard out of the game. This is also true of Jrue Holiday $7.3k, who is averaging 38.3 FP over his last five games. Zion remains a solid play at $8k and should continue to see his minutes and usage go up as he recovers from injuries. Ingram $6.8k is a bit risky, as he will likely be on a minutes limitation due to a banged-up ankle.
Hassan Whiteside $9.2k had a big game against the Pelicans in their last meeting, but may see his numbers drop a bit now that New Orleans is at full strength. CJ McCollum $6.6k will likely see more shots, but will also be more of the focus of the Ball/Holiday defensive tandem, so it could be a wash. Gary Trent Jr. $4.4k continues to be the best risk/reward play for the Trail Blazers, as he is averaging 22.3 FP over his last five games.
Good luck with all your bets and fantasy sports games.