The surging Portland Trail Blazers battle for playoff positioning against a New Orleans Pelicans squad fighting for pride in their final matchup of the season series.
The New Orleans Pelicans have dropped five straight games, humbled by a stretch of playoff teams. That stretch ends on Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Pelicans are down 1-2 in the season series against the Trail Blazers, with a chance to even it in the final matchup. Most of what's left to play for with this New Orleans squad is pride.
Portland, on the other hand, is 39-38 on the season and surging late. They'll be battling to stay above the Golden State Warriors with an outside chance to get as high as No. 7. They'll be battling.
Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Thursday:
When is New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM CT
Location: Moda Center (Portland, OR)
How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers
Streaming: Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, NBA TV
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM
New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Lines
Moneyline: POR -250
Spread: POR -6.5
Over/Under: 232.5
New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers Projected Starting Lineups
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi
Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan
New Orleans Pelicans at Portland Trail Blazers Injury Updates
Pelicans:
Bryce McGowens (right small toe fracture) - Out
Karlo Matkovic (low back spasms) - Questionable
Trey Murphy III (right ankle sprain) - Questionable
Matkovic was a surprise addition as he deals with lower back spasms, but has not been ruled out of playing. He's the only reliable source of shooting in that front court. He's done well in limited action against the Trail Blazers with an average of 7.7 points on only 11.8 minutes.
Trail Blazers:
Jerami Grant (right calf strain) - Out
Vit Krejci (left calf contusion) - Out
Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon injury) - Out
Shaedon Sharpe (left fibula stress reaction) - Out
Jayson Kent (G-Leauge Two-Way) - Doubtful
Hansen Yang (G-League Two-Way) - Doubtful
Chris Youngblood (G-Leauge Two-Way) - Doubtful
Nothing too detrimental or surprising for the Trail Blazers. They have gone 7-3 in their last 10, and that's without any of their currently injured players. Portland has been an up-and-down team this season, but they are in the play-in and bought in. They won't be coasting.
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