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Blazers vs Pelicans NBA Pick: Portland Looks To Defend Home Court Against New Orleans (Apr 2)

Published Apr 1, 11:41am ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Apr 1, 11:41am ET

Pick status
The Blazers host the Pelicans on Thursday night.

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Updated Apr 1, 11:41am ET

  • The Blazers moved a game over .500 with a 114-104 victory against the LA Clippers.
  • Meanwhile, New Orleans is 25-51 following a 134-102 loss to the Houston Rockets.
  • These teams previously met on Jan. 2, with the Blazers winning 122-109.

One of the games on Thursday's NBA slate features the Portland Trail Blazers hosting the New Orleans Pelicans. Who has the edge in our Blazers vs Pelicans pick?

Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans Overview Watch On: KUNP

DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026 @ 10:00PM ET
Portland Trail Blazers
Moda Center
Portland, OR
New Orleans Pelicans
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Portland Trail Blazers -9.5 (-114)
New Orleans Pelicans +9.5 (-109)

Blazers shooting for their third straight double-digit win

After a 100-93 setback against the Dallas Mavericks, Portland has won its last two games. This includes a 114-104 victory against the LA Clippers on Tuesday night.

ALSO SEE: Thunder vs Lakers | Odds and NBA Pick (Apr 2)

The Blazers led by 16 points at halftime before Darius Garland's bucket trimmed the deficit to eight points at the 3:44 mark in the third quarter. But LA could not get any closer, thanks to a 16-5 burst that put Portland ahead 91-74 going into the fourth.

Jrue Holiday was one of four starters in double figures for the Blazers. He led the way with 30 points and six rebounds, while connecting on seven of his 15 attempts from deep. Deni Avdija added 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

Defensively-challenged New Orleans looks to end its five-game skid

Following a three-game win streak, the Pelicans have dropped each of their last five games. This stretch includes a 134-102 setback against the Houston Rockets.

New Orleans hung tough early as the teams battled to a 29-29 stalemate in the opening frame. However, the Rockets put the game out of reach in the second with a 39-18 scoring edge that was keyed by a 23-3 run to open the period.

Dejounte Murray led six double-digit scorers with 19 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey added 18 points apiece. The Pelicans were soundly beaten on the boards, 59-36, and gave up 22 offensive rebounds.

Blazers vs Pelicans NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Blazers are 4-1 (SU) in their last five games.
  • Portland is 4-1 ATS in its previous five outings.
  • The Pelicans are 0-5 (SU) in their last five contests.
  • New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its previous five matchups.

The Blazers have won five of the previous six meetings in this series, and New Orleans is just 1-7 in its last eight road outings. The trends indicate that Portland wins this one easily.

Pick
Portland Trail Blazers
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