October 26 11:00 NBA Portland New Orleans
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Home Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Portland, which finished last season in 15th place in the West, recorded a 104-139 loss at home against the Golden State Warriors in their last game (10/24). The results were as follows: rebounds (42-57), turnovers (17-17), and three-pointers (8 made - 20 made). Ace players Anfernee Simons and two-way forward Jerami Grant performed well, and Deandre Ayton also made contributions. However, when Ayton was resting, their interior defense showed weaknesses that led to easy scoring opportunities for the opponents, resulting in a series of steals allowed. Six players recorded double-digit scores, but there was a lack of players willing to do the dirty work for the team. Additionally, the absence of Shaedon Sharpe was regrettable, and there were shortcomings in the movements of forwards and big men who could alleviate the burden on ball handlers.
Away Team: New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans, which finished last season in 7th place in the West, recorded a 123-111 victory at home against the Chicago Bulls in their last game (10/24). The results were as follows: rebounds (42-47), turnovers (11-21), and three-pointers (14 made - 10 made). Despite a major blow with Zion Williamson suffering a wrist fracture during the game and the newly acquired All-Star guard Dejounte Murray (14 points, 10 assists) being injured, Brandon Ingram (33 points) and C.J. McCollum (23 points) dominated the decisive moments of the game. The team's concerns about the paint were minimized due to the performance of rookie big man Zion draft pick, who recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks despite not retaining former starting center Jonas Valančiūnas in free agency.
Head-to-Head Characteristics
In the most recent matchup, the Portland Trail Blazers recorded a 100-110 loss at home.
Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe (Grade B), Matisse Thybulle (Grade C), Robert Williams III (Grade C)
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (Grade A - out until November 23), Trey Murphy III (Grade C)
Betting Recommendation
While Dejounte Murray is sidelined, Zion Williamson, who missed the opening game due to a virus, will be returning for New Orleans.
Likely Choice => New Orleans Pelicans Victory
Betting Suggestion => Over