Blazers at Pelicans Preview

Blazers Look to Extend Winning Streak Against Pelicans

The Portland Trail Blazers will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The Blazers are coming off a 113-109 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, while the Pelicans have lost three of their last four games. The Blazers are led by Damian Lillard, who is averaging 28.4 points and 7.3 assists per game. CJ McCollum is also averaging over 20 points per game, and Jusuf Nurkic is averaging a double-double with 15.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. The Pelicans are led by Zion Williamson, who is averaging 25.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Brandon Ingram is also averaging over 20 points per game, and Jonas Valanciunas is averaging a double-double with 17.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. The Blazers and Pelicans have split their two meetings this season, with each team winning on their home court. The Blazers won the first meeting 128-112 in Portland on November 10, while the Pelicans won the second meeting 127-126 in New Orleans on December 17. The Blazers are favored to win this game, but the Pelicans are a dangerous team at home. The Pelicans are also coming off a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, so they will be looking to bounce back against the Blazers.

Key Matchups

* **Damian Lillard vs. Lonzo Ball:** Lillard is one of the best point guards in the league, and Ball is one of the best young defenders in the league. This will be a key matchup to watch. * **CJ McCollum vs. Brandon Ingram:** McCollum is a great scorer, and Ingram is a rising star. This will be another key matchup to watch. * **Jusuf Nurkic vs. Jonas Valanciunas:** Nurkic is a strong rebounder and defender, and Valanciunas is a skilled scorer. This will be a key matchup in the paint.

Prediction

The Blazers are the better team, but the Pelicans are a dangerous team at home. I think the Blazers will win this game, but it will be a close one. **Blazers 115, Pelicans 110**