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.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Wednesday, January 8.
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet
Under 224.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The New Orleans 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 Trail Blazers.
Portland comes 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. The Pelicans may be well set up for the future, but only if they eventually get their roster healthy for extended periods.
Both teams also struggle on defense, but that hasn’t been an issue when they’ve played each other. In those matchups, the lack of offense has shown: Two of the three games hit the Under, and none of them reached a total of 230 points.
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Under 224.5
Trail Blazers +1.5
Deandre Ayton to record a double-double
One key reason for betting the Under tonight is the expectation the Pelicans won’t be able to awaken their offense with Williamson sitting out. That also has me interested in making a bet on the Blazers, who have been playing well in recent days.
With a tiny spread and the Pelicans struggling to find wins anywhere, I think Portland should be able to win — though I’ll take the 1.5 points in what should be a close game.
I’m also betting on Deandre Ayton to put up a double-double tonight. The Portland center is averaging 14.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and has recorded double-doubles in four of his last six games. I like him to continue his strong play against an undermanned New Orleans roster tonight.
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Trail Blazers vs Pelicans odds
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans live odds
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Portland +2.5 (-110) | New Orleans -2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Portland +115 | New Orleans-140
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 (-110) | Under 227.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Blazers are 18-16-1 against the spread this season, while the Pelicans have gone 14-23 ATS on the year.
- Portland is 3-0 ATS in its three games against New Orleans this season.
- The Under has an 18-17 edge in Portland’s games this season, with the Over holding a 19-17-1 advantage when New Orleans plays.
- The Pelicans are playing to an average total of 224.3 ppg on the year, with the Trail Blazers averaging a total of 224.9 ppg.
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans trend
The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Trail Blazers vs Pelicans
| Location: | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date: | Wednesday, 1-8-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BlazerVision, Pelicans+ |
Trail Blazers vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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