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Trail Blazers and Pelicans: Hoops Collide in Moda Center Showdown

As the Portland Trail Blazers prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Moda Center, fans can anticipate a game where recent trends could play a significant role. The Trail Blazers have been struggling with consistency, as evidenced by their recent performances. In their last three games, they've shown varying degrees of resilience and offensive capability.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 16: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 16, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

In their most recent matchup against Orlando Magic, the Trail Blazers narrowly lost with a score of 103-104. Despite this loss, there were positive takeaways; they managed to keep the game close and demonstrated an ability to distribute the ball effectively with 28 assists. They also showed tenacity on defense with nine steals and maintained a decent shooting efficiency from beyond the arc at 36 percent.


However, looking back two games prior against Miami Heat paints a different picture. The Trail Blazers suffered a heavy defeat, scoring only 82 points while conceding an overwhelming 142 points to their opponents. This game highlighted significant defensive lapses as they allowed Miami Heat to shoot at an impressive 59 percent from the field.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 16: Jose Alvarado #15 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 16, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Between these two extremes lies another performance where Portland scored 106 points against Atlanta Hawks' defense but still fell short as they conceded 120 points. Their offense clicked better in this outing with an effective field goal percentage of 59 percent and solid contributions from bench players who added up to half of their total point tally.


The upcoming clash will test whether Portland can leverage its home-court advantage at Moda Center to improve upon its recent one-win-two-losses trend. Fans should look for improvements in ball security after turnovers proved costly in previous outings and for continued production from both starters and bench players alike.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 16: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 16, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The scheduled game between Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans is set for April 9th at Moda Center starting at 7:00 Pacific Time Zone (PT). Fans eager not to miss any action can tune into ROOT Sports NW+ or BSNO networks for live coverage of what promises to be an engaging basketball contest.

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