Western Conference Playoffs: Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff matchup. The Pelicans stole Game 1 on the road, winning by a score of 97-95. Portland came into this series as the third seed in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans were the six seed.

The Trail Blazers will be looking to even up this series, while the Pelicans will be looking to steal both games on the road. New Orleans was able to get their first playoff win since the 2010-11 season in Game 1. Portland is -6.5 over the Pelicans on Tuesday night.

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Portland Looks to Bounce Back

The Trail Blazers did not get off to the start that they wanted to in this series. Portland struggled to score in the opener and shot just 38% from the field. They scored just 36 points in the first half which led to a deficit that they were unable to overcome.

All Star point guard, Damian Lillard, really struggled shooting the ball in Game 1. Lillard made just 6 of his 23 shot attempts and finished with 18 points. CJ McCullom led the Blazers with 19 points, but he also struggled to shoot the ball well. The Portland big men were unable to stop Pelicans forward, Anthony Davis. Portland will need to be much better on both sides of the ball in Game 2.

Anthony Davis Leads the Pelicans

All Star forward, Anthony Davis, had a great performance in Game 1 to help lead the Pelicans over the Blazers. Davis finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds to earn his first ever playoff victory. The Pelicans also played terrific defense around the rim, blocking 12 shots during their series opening victory.

Veteran, Rajon Rondo also had a great game to lead the Pelicans on Saturday night. Rondo dished out 17 assists, while also grabbing 8 rebounds. The Pelicans looked calm and comfortable in the hostile environment thanks to Rondo’s play and leadership.

Trail Blazers Even the Series

Anthony Davis is the best big man in the NBA, and he will continue to dominate the paint during Game 2. Rajon Rondo has a history of postseason success, and he will have another great game on Tuesday night. The Trail Blazers are going to have to come up with scheme to stop the inside-outside attack of these two stars.

Portland has to get more offense, and more scoring, from their talented backcourt duo of McCullom and Lillard. Both players will need to shoot more efficiently on Tuesday night to have a chance to win the game. The two guards also have to find a way to keep the Pelicans’ Rondo from taking over the game. Portland knows that they can’t lose both games at home, and they will knock down just enough shots to win Game 2. Bet the Portland Trail Blazers -6.5 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

  • Bet the Portland Trail Blazers -6.5
  • Bet on the New Orleans Pelicans +6.5

 

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