The New Orleans Pelicans endured another tough night, falling 119-100 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday in a game that was effectively over by halftime. Missing both Zion Williamson, held out for precautionary reasons after his return from a hamstring strain, and Brandon Ingram, who continues to nurse a left ankle injury, the Pelicans lacked firepower and energy from the opening tip.
Portland capitalized on New Orleans‘ disjointed play, racing to a 75-42 halftime lead behind the hot hands of Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, who combined for 47 points. CJ McCollum led New Orleans with 23 points, while Dejounte Murray added 20, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback in front of a disappointed home crowd.
Without key contributors, the Pelicans struggled defensively and on the boards. Herb Jones, their best perimeter defender, left the game in the third quarter with a right shoulder injury, further compounding their woes. Portland shot an astounding 67.4% in the first half and never looked back.
Deandre Ayton anchored the Blazers’ inside presence with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while Anfernee Simons and Toumani Camara provided steady secondary scoring. For a Pelicans team that has now lost 22 of its last 25 games, this marked another frustrating chapter in a season marred by injuries and inconsistency. They’ll look to regroup quickly before facing the 76ers in Philadelphia on Friday.
