The New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers matchup is one of 11 games on the NBA schedule for Saturday. Surprisingly, it's the first meeting of the season between the two Western Conference teams. Let's look at the game preview, prediction, starting lineups and betting tips.
New Orleans has won the last three games against Portland, winning last season's series 3-1. The Pelicans are the much better team this season, considering the Blazers traded Damian Lillard in the offseason and started rebuilding the team.
Saturday's game will be the 73rd regular-season meeting between the Pelicans and Blazers. The Blazers are slightly ahead. 37-35, in the all-time head-to-head matchup, but the Pelicans have won six of their last seven games since Dec. 21, 2021.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Also Read: Jayson Tatum reveals if he would help 2024 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest headliner Jaylen Brown
New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers preview, prediction, odds and betting tips
The New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers game is on Wednesday at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. It starts at 10:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on Bally Sports New Orleans, and ROOT SPORTS and ROOT SPORTS Plus in Portland.
Moneyline: Pelicans (-275) vs Blazers (+220)
Spread: Pelicans -7.5 (-105) vs Blazers +7.5 (-115)
Total (O/U): Pelicans --115 (o225.5) vs Blazers -105 (u225.5)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a lackluster performance against the LA Lakers on Friday. They allowed 87 points to the Lakers in the first half and failed to regain any momentum, losing 139-122.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have lost three games in a row. The Blazers started their seven-game homestand on Thursday with a loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers starting lineups
The New Orleans Pelicans have a relatively healthy roster, with Naji Marshall listed as out.
Zion Williamson could miss the game because it's the second leg of a back-to-back. Cach Willie Green could use a starting five of CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have four players listed as out and four players tagged as questionable. Coach Chauncey Billups might not have any other choice but to fetch a starting lineup of Ashton Hagans, Matisse Thybulle, Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara and Jabari Walker.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers betting tips
There are no available player props for the New Orleans Pelicans-Portland Trail Blazers game.
Also Read: When will Cam Reddish return? LA Lakers provide latest injury update for former lottery pick
New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers prediction
There's no surprise that the New Orleans Pelicans are favored to win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.
The Pelicans have been a much better team than the Blazers for the season despite their recent struggles. Oddmakers are predicting the Pelicans to get the win and cover the spread.
Also Read: Thanasis Antetokounmpo hits the Shammgod on Hornets, follows it up with savage celebration
Trail Blazers Nation! You can check out the latest Portland Trail Blazers Schedule and dive into the Trail Blazers Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.