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The New Orleans Pelicans (2-0) and Portland Trail Blazers (0-2) meet Sunday at Moda Center with tip-off set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Pelicans lead 1-0
F Brandon Ingram nailed a jumper with 4.9 seconds remaining to lift the Pelicans to a 105-103 win over the Trail Blazers on Friday night. New Orleans did not cover the 6.5-point spread as road favorites, and the game stayed Under the 219 total. G Jordan Hawkins led the Pelicans with 24 points off the bench, while F Zion Williamson made a strong all-around contribution, recording 16 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks.
The Trail Blazers dropped to 0-2 on the season, despite a strong effort from F Jerami Grant, who scored a game-high 34 points, hitting 8-of-17 from beyond the arc. C Deandre Ayton recorded his second straight double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. However, 19 turnovers were the downfall for Portland in the loss.
Pelicans at Trail Blazers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 7:46 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Trail Blazers +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans -6.5 (-110) | Trail Blazers +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Pelicans at Trail Blazers key injuries
Pelicans
- None
Trail Blazers
- G Shaedon Sharp (shoulder) out
- G Matisse Thybulle (knee) out
- C Robert Williams (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Pelicans at Trail Blazers picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 108, Trail Blazers 100
Moneyline
PASS.
I have the Pelicans (-250) sweeping this home-and-home with the Trail Blazers, but I’m not going to risk 2 1/2 units to win 1. I’d rather take my wager to the spread.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS -6.5 (-110).
The Trail Blazers have struggled offensively through their first 2 games, and their situation is further complicated by the absence of key rotation players like Sharpe and Thybulle. With the Pelicans being the more talented team, the gap between the 2 teams should widen when they face off again. New Orleans has dominated this series, winning 9 of the last 10 games against Portland.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 219.5 (-115).
Recent matchups between the Pelicans and Trail Blazers have leaned toward lower scoring, with the Under hitting in 4 of their last 5 meetings, including Friday’s game. The trend continues at Portland, where the Under has cashed in their last 7 home games against the Pelicans. Plus, 8 of the Pelicans’ last 9 games as favorites against teams on the first leg of a back-to-back have also gone Under.
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