Both Portland and New Orleans have struggled offensively this season. This preview analyzes their recent performances, offensive weaknesses, and the impact of Zion Williamson's return on the Pelicans. Despite the possibility of a high-scoring game, the article suggests betting on the Under due to the teams' offensive limitations.
Two of the worst teams in the Western Conference will look to grab a rare win tonight as the Portland Trail Blazers visit the New Orleans Pelicans . Both teams have struggled offensively this year, and that has me betting the Under in my Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans predictions. The Pelicans got a brief look at what their team might look like in the future when Zion Williamson returned to the lineup on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Even with Williamson playing, however, the Pelicans only put up 97 points. And with their top scorer only now stepping back on the court after two months away, they’re going to sit Williamson for the second night of this back-to-back when they host the Portland. The Trail Blazers come in having gone 3-3 over its last six games, a relatively strong stretch for a team that remains 11 games under .500. The Blazers covered in two straight games, both on the road, having played well against the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. But the Trail Blazers still haven’t entirely figured things out offensively. They’re averaging just 108.1 ppg and have one of the worst offensive ratings in the league at 108.5. Portland has only scored 110 points once in its last four games. While the team has a great depth of young talent, the Blazers still lack a primary scoring threat. Anfernee Simons (18.6 ppg) and Shaedon Sharpe (17.9 ppg) are currently filling that role as best they can. Portland doesn’t need to score a ton of points to win tonight, however, as the Pelicans are even worse offensively — especially with Williamson off the court. NOLA ranks even lower in both points per game (107.2) and offensive rating (107.6). This is despite seemingly having a wealth of scoring options beyond Williamson, with three other players averaging at least 20 ppg. The problem has been health, as one of those players, Brandon Ingram (22.2 ppg) has only played 18 games himself this season, and will be out with an ankle injury tonight
NBA Trail Blazers Pelicans Zion Williamson Under Predictions Offensive Struggles
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