The Portland Trail Blazers, currently positioned 10th in the Western Conference with a 14-20 record, are in the play-in tournament contention. Their record within the Western Conference is 11-13, which is better than the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the Trail Blazers recently suffered a significant defeat, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on New Year's Day with a score of 95-124. Their offense struggled, with only two players scoring in double figures. The Trail Blazers average 116.2 points per game, ranking 17th in the league offensively, and concede 120.2 points per game defensively, placing them 25th in defense. Both their offensive and defensive stability require improvement. The New Orleans Pelicans are also dealing with injuries. Guard Dejounte Murray is confirmed out due to a leg injury, and small forward Herbert Jones is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. Additionally, forward Saddiq Bey and rookie Dereck Quinn are questionable to play. Bey, a key two-way player, averages 15.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. His absence would weaken the Pelicans' wing depth. If Quinn is unable to play, the team's interior rotation becomes even more strained, potentially requiring the use of players like E. Misee or Kevin Looney as the starting center. The betting direction is: New Orleans Pelicans +1.