The New Orleans Pelicans are at home on Friday night as they host the Portland Trail Blazers in a Western Conference matchup.
New Orleans enters Friday’s game with an 8-27 record after losing on the road to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion WilliamsonMatthew Hinton-Imagn Images
In Wednesday’s loss to the Bulls, Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans as he recorded 31 points and seven assists while Jordan Poole added 26 points and three rebounds of his own off the bench.
Now New Orleans will try to bounce back at home on Friday as they face off against the Trail Blazers in a tough matchup.
On the other side, Portland enters Friday’s contest with a 14-20 record after losing on the road to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
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Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8)Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Deni Avdija led the way for the Trail Blazers in Wednesday’s loss as he ended the game with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while Sidy Cissoko recorded 19 points and two assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Trail Blazers Injury Report, Will Jerami Grant Play?
For the Trail Blazers, they have six players listed on their injury report, including veteran forward Jerami Grant.
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Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9)© Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Portland has ruled out Grant due to left Achilles tendonitis that has kept him out since December 20.
With Grant still sidelined, Kris Murray and Cissoko could continue to have larger roles for the Trail Blazers.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5)Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Trail Blazers have also ruled out Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley as they all remain sidelined while recovering from injuries.
Pelicans Injury Report, Will Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen Play?
On the other side, the Pelicans have five players listed on their injury report, including both Trey Murphy III and Derik Queen.
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
New Orleans has listed Murphy III as questionable due to a lower back injury and he is in danger of missing his first game since November 30.
If Murphy III is sidelined against the Trail Blazers, Micah Peavy, Jordan Hawkins and Bryce McGowens could all have increased roles.
The Pelicans have ruled out Queen due to a left quad contusion as he will miss his first game of the season.
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22)Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
With Queen sidelined on Friday, Yves Missi and Kevon Looney could both be in line for increased roles.
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Saddiq Bey has also been ruled out due to right hip soreness while Herb Jones will be sidelined once again due to a right ankle sprain.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Dejounte Murray has also been ruled out as he continues to be sidelined while recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered last season.
Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Trail Blazers and Pelicans from New Orleans at 8:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.