Cooper Albers previews Thursday’s NBA matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Western Conference squads wrap their regular-season series Thursday night, as the Portland Trail Blazers host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Moda Center.

The Pelicans (25–51, 11th West) are officially out of playoff contention after dropping nine of 15 games in March, and they trudge into Rip City on a five-game skid. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (39–38, 9th West) have clinched a play-in berth following a 10–6 run last month — punctuated by seven wins over their last nine games. 

Portland holds a 2–1 edge in the four-game season set, capped by a 122–109 victory in New Orleans in early January.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

New Orleans Pelicans

OUT: Bryce McGowens (Toe)

QUESTIONABLE: Trey Murphy III (Ankle), Karlo Matkovic (Back)

Portland Trail Blazers

OUT: Jerami Grant (Calf), Shaedon Sharpe (Fibula), Damian Lillard (Achilles), Vit Krejci (Calf)

Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Portland enters as a 6.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while New Orleans sits as a +205 underdog. The game’s total is set at 232.5 points. 

Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers Preview

New Orleans Pelicans Preview

As expected, the Pelicans’ playoff hopes ended in March, another disastrous month in a season chock-full of them. Sunday’s 32-point thumping from the Rockets handed New Orleans its fifth-straight loss — and the squad may visit Portland without its offensive engine.

Star forward Trey Murphy III has missed the last three games with a right ankle sprain, and he’s questionable to suit up against the Trail Blazers. The squad’s offense has sputtered as it scrambles to compensate for Murphy’s team-leading 21.7 points and 3.8 assists per game.

While Zion Williamson remains an imposing force with the ball in his hands, the former first overall pick never quite emerged as the  “franchise savior” he was expected to become. New Orleans on Thursday will also need hefty contributions from the likes of Saddiq Bey and Dejounte Murray — each of whom averages roughly 17 points per game — if it wants to keep things competitive.

Portland Trail Blazers Preview

Playoff basketball could return to the City of Roses for the first time in five years. The Trail Blazers have clinched a play-in spot after a scorching March, including seven wins in their last nine games. Following Tuesday’s 114–104 road win over the Clippers, Portland sits just half a game behind LA for the eighth seed in the West with five games remaining.

Even without Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant, Portland’s offense remains formidable behind All-Star forward Deni Avdija. The dynamic 25-year-old ranks in the NBA’s top 15 with 23.9 points and 6.7 assists per game, while also pulling down seven rebounds a night. 

But offensive firepower played a minor role in Portland’s spring surge. Anchored by nascent seven-footer Donovan Clingan, the Trail Blazers trailed only the reigning champion Thunder for the league’s top defensive rating in March.

Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers Pick, Best Bet

While Trey Murphy could return for New Orleans, any spark he provides should be neutralized by Portland’s recent lockdown defense. The Trail Blazers not only have an edge on both ends of the floor but also far more to play for as they attempt to secure a favorable seed in the play-in. 

With upcoming matchups against the Spurs, Nuggets, and Clippers looming ahead, expect the Blazers to capitalize on Thursday’s “gimme” against the woeful Pelicans in spread-covering fashion.

Best Bet: Portland Trail Blazers -6.5 (-108)