2018 NBA Playoffs Preview: Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans, SWOT Analysis & Prediction

Opportunities and Threats

New Orleans Pelicans v Portland Trail Blazers

This game will be decided by how the action unfolds in the paint.

With respect to three-point makes, attempts and efficiency, both teams are neck-and-neck. Portland (16th) makes 10.3 three's a game while New Orleans make 10.2 (18th), and both aren't far apart on attempts as well - Pelicans (28.2 - 18th), Blazers (28.1 - 19th). So it's quite obvious, they'll be very close by on efficiency as well but the paint game is another story altogether.

The Pelicans, for the season, are second-best in the number of field goals made (42.7) and 46.9% of those points come in the paint, which ranks them third best in the league. And as mentioned earlier, the Blazers are great rim protectors, ranking third in opposition's points in the paints.

Which team will fold?

Will Davis force Portland to become a bad rim protector, which open the series up because both teams are almost alike on shooting from distance or will the Blazers restrict the Pelicans and seize control of the game with their defense?

Only time will tell.