Albert
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84d
My Prediction
Portland Trail Blazers by 3Alright, let's get ready for a showdown in the Big Easy between the Trail Blazers and Pelicans. And before you ask, folks, no I don't get to be on Bourbon Street tonight.
Looking at the player stats, Anfernee Simons has certainly been the frontman for the Blazers, hitting from all cylinders with 21.7 points and 6.2 assists per game over the last month. Deni Avdija also isn't shy on the scoreboard, while Deandre Ayton owns the paint putting up a double-double on average every game recently.
However, fingers crossed for Jerami Grant, who's currently on the doubtful list for Portland. An absence there could open up gaps in their offensive line that New Orleans will undoubtedly look to exploit.
Speaking of New Orleans, their ace Zion Williamson will be dearly missed tonight. Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans' high-scorer over the past month, will also be missed on the floor due to injury. Despite these setbacks, they still have Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum upright and raring, who ought to bear the brunt of the load tonight.
Looking at their head-to-heads, the Trail Blazers have enjoyed more success in their recent encounters, except for one hiccup back in March 2024. Based on both teams' recent results and considering the injuries, it's been a rocky patch and the teams are quite evenly poised.
Both teams have been scraping the bottom of the Western Conference this season, but the Blazers seem marginally better with 12 wins on their roster, over the Pelicans' 7.
So, at the end of the day, despite the hard crash by both teams this season, the Trail Blazers' superior head-to-head record, and stand-out players, I'm leaning towards the Portland Trail Blazers pulling away with the win.
Albert’s Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers by 3