| MATCHUP | Portland Trailblazers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 14-20 | 8-27 |
| Spread | -1.5 -102 | +1.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | -112 | -108 |
| Total | Over 244.5 (-115) | Under 244.5 (-105) |
| Where | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | |
| When | Friday, January 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | GCSEN | |
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Mavs, lost to the Thunder, and they play the Spurs next. The Trail Blazers have lost 10 of their last 16 games.
The Portland Trail Blazers are averaging 116.2 points on 44.6 percent shooting and allowing 120.3 points on 47.7 percent shooting. Deni Avdija is averaging 25.3 points and 7.2 rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 21.8 points and 4.4 rebounds. Jerami Grant is the third double-digit scorer and Jrue Holiday is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Portland Trail Blazers are shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and 77.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Portland Trail Blazers are allowing 35.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.4 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Knicks and Bulls, and they play the Heat next. The Pelicans have lost 5 straight games.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 115.6 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 123.1 points on 48.8 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Trey Murphy III is averaging 20.5 points and 6.1 rebounds. Jordan Poole is the third double-digit scorer and Saddiq Bey is dishing 2.3 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 34.1 percent from beyond the arc and 79 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.4 rebounds per game.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won 16 of their last 18 night games against Trail Blazers teams that held a losing record.
- The Trail Blazers have lost three of their last four games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last five home games against Northwest Division opponents.
- The Trail Blazers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five road games against Southwest Division opponents.
Why the Portland Trail Blazers will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 13 Friday games.
- The favorites have won seven of the Trail Blazers’ last eight games.
- The Trail Blazers have covered the spread in six of their last seven road games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six home games against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Ten of the Trail Blazers’ last 11 games as favorites following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Zion Williamson ranks 4th amongst qualified Forwards for FG% (55.4%) this season.
Portland Trail Blazers Player Facts
- Deni Avdija is one of only five qualified players in the league averaging at least 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season.
- Toumani Camara ranks T42nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (2.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (2034) this season.
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for opponent assists per game this season (29.3).
- The Trail Blazers rank 30th in the league for turnovers per game this season (17.5).
- The Trail Blazers have recorded the largest comeback win from a Q1 deficit this season – trailed by 20 points vs Thunder on November 5.
Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones. Derik Queen and Saddiq Bey are questionable.
The Trail Blazers will be without Damian Lillard, Blake Wesley, Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle, and Jerami Grant.
Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
Right when it looked like the Pelicans were putting things together, they lose 5 straight games and now have a questionable Queen and Bey. The Pelicans just can’t have nice things or stay healthy. With that said, the Trail Blazers remain one of the most injured teams in the league and have lost 11 games on the road. The Pelicans are at home where 6 of their 8 wins have come, and they beat the Blazers three weeks ago, scoring 143 points in the process. In a pick em spot, I’ll lean toward the Pels at home.