Zion Williamson is still out, but his Pelicans are the hottest team in the West with a fifth straight win. It must be said that opposite, the Blazers have put themselves in “tanking” mode, and it is starting to show: a home defeat of 34 points (124-90); 29 rebounds against 53; 21% from 3-pointers. The meeting only lasted a few minutes. Time for Brandon Ingram’s teammates to break through the first curtain to chain easy baskets. After 10 minutes, the Pelicans are already leading by 18 points (30-12), and they will never let go of the accelerator. All while defending since they will reach halftime with only 35 points conceded.
Unsurprisingly, the gap will reach 36 points with the Blazers unable to defend their racket. Willie Green takes the opportunity to breathe his stars because tonight they travel to Golden State in a CAPITAL meeting for the future.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
The Pelicans close to the playoffs. With five wins in a row, Brandon Ingram’s teammates are on the positive side: 38 wins for 37 losses. They are 8th, one victory away from 6th place now held by Wolves, synonymous with direct qualification in the playoffs.
The Blazers distort the end of the season. With four less holders for several matches, the Blazers suffer their 9th defeat in 10 matches. Like last season, Chauncey Billups plays his young people, and the 15 assists speak volumes about the lack of collective.
TOPS & FLOPS
✅Brandon Ingram. The winger celebrates his Player of the Week trophy with sobriety: 29 points on 12 out of 19 on shots. The young Blazers tried to shove him, but he rather sickened them by scoring with the foul.
✅ Jonas Valanciunas. A big double-double with his record rebounds for the season: 21 catches. A practice match for him.
⛔ Shaedon Sharpe. No defense, clumsiness… Fortunately, he wakes up a bit in the 3rd quarter.
⛔The Blazers defense. No binding between players. No help. No double takes. At the slightest touch, the defender explodes. A parody of defense.
THE FOLLOWING
Portland (32v-43d) : reception of the Kings on Wednesday who will be able to validate their place in the playoffs and… eliminate the Blazers.
New Orleans (38v-37d) : back-to-back tonight at Golden State.
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