Trail Blazers Defeat Pelicans 122-109 in New Orleans
Friday, January 2, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
Portland Trail Blazers 122, New Orleans Pelicans 109, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Portland Trail Blazers beat New Orleans Pelicans 122-109 at Smoothie King Center on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans?
Portland Trail Blazers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Smoothie King Center, the Portland Trail Blazers secured a 122-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This win extends the Trail Blazers' lead in the season series to 3-1 against the Pelicans, showcasing their dominance in recent encounters.
The Trail Blazers entered this game with a record of 15-20, while the Pelicans struggled with a record of 8-28. Despite the Pelicans having a slightly better recent form with a 5-5 record over their last ten games, they were on a five-game losing streak, averaging 116.6 points scored and 128.6 points allowed during this stretch. In contrast, the Trail Blazers also held a 5-5 record in their last ten games but were coming off a loss, averaging 113.3 points scored and 119.3 points allowed.
At home, the Pelicans had a record of 4-3 in their last ten games, while their away record stood at 1-2. Conversely, the Trail Blazers had a home record of 4-3 and an away record of 1-2 as well. The Pelicans had previously defeated the Trail Blazers 143-120 on December 12, 2025, but this time they were unable to replicate that success.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans were missing Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens, both listed as Day-To-Day, while the Trail Blazers had Ja Morant and Damian Lillard also listed as Day-To-Day, and Shaedon Sharpe was ruled out due to a knee injury. These absences could have influenced the dynamics of the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Trail Blazers favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 240.5 points. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Trail Blazers ultimately lived up to their expectations.
Conditions for the game were standard for an indoor basketball matchup, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans could expect to see a high-scoring game, given both teams' recent scoring averages and the total set by the betting market.
As the game unfolded, the Trail Blazers managed to maintain control, with key contributions from their roster. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter highlighted the Trail Blazers’ ability to extend their lead, including free throws and crucial shots from Shaedon Sharpe and Caleb Love. The Pelicans, despite their efforts, could not close the gap, ultimately falling short.
This game further emphasizes the challenges faced by the Pelicans this season, while the Trail Blazers continue to build momentum as they look to improve their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | POR -3.5 | 240.5 o -108 / u -112 | Portland Trail Blazers -162 · New Orleans Pelicans +136 |
Injury report
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Ja MorantDay-To-DayElbowPortland Trail Blazers
- Shaedon SharpeOutKneePortland Trail Blazers
- Damian LillardDay-To-DayAchillesPortland Trail Blazers
Leaders
- PointsZion Williamson35New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJordan Poole6New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsKevon Looney12New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsDeni Avdija34Portland Trail Blazers
- AssistsDeni Avdija11Portland Trail Blazers
- ReboundsDonovan Clingan15Portland Trail Blazers
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L5122 scored · 121.7 allowed per game4-3 at home
- L118-134at Chicago BullsJan 1
- L125-130vs New York KnicksDec 30
- L114-123vs Phoenix SunsDec 28
- L108-115vs Phoenix SunsDec 27
- L118-141at Cleveland CavaliersDec 24
- W119-113vs Dallas MavericksDec 23
- W128-109vs Indiana PacersDec 21
- W133-128vs Houston RocketsDec 19
- W114-104at Chicago BullsDec 15
- W143-120vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 12
Portland Trail Blazers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1113.3 scored · 119.3 allowed per game1-2 away
- L95-124at Oklahoma City ThunderJan 1
- W125-122vs Dallas MavericksDec 30
- W114-108vs Boston CelticsDec 28
- L103-119vs LA ClippersDec 27
- L106-110vs Orlando MagicDec 24
- L102-110vs Detroit PistonsDec 23
- W98-93at Sacramento KingsDec 21
- W134-133vs Sacramento KingsDec 19
- W136-131vs Golden State WarriorsDec 15
- L120-143at New Orleans PelicansDec 12
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Portland Trail Blazers | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-92 | 44-98 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 16-47 | 8-30 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 27 |
| Free throws | 24-30 | 13-18 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 19 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 23 |
| Assists | 27 | 22 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 7 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 23 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 68 |
| Fouls | 17 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 61 | 32 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter84-73Karlo Matkovic makes 1-foot dunk (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-73Kris Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-75Yves Missi makes 4-foot dunk (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter87-75Shaedon Sharpe makes driving layup (Kris Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter90-75Deni Avdija makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kris Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter90-78Bryce McGowens makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
- 4th Quarter91-78Kris Murray makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter92-78Kris Murray makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter93-78Kris Murray makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter95-78Donovan Clingan makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Deni Avdija assists)
- 4th Quarter95-80Zion Williamson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter95-81Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-82Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-82Caleb Love makes 24-foot three point jumper (Deni Avdija assists)
- 4th Quarter101-82Caleb Love makes 26-foot three point jumper (Toumani Camara assists)
- 4th Quarter102-82Deni Avdija makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-84Karlo Matkovic makes 4-foot layup (Jordan Poole assists)
- 4th Quarter105-84Caleb Love makes 25-foot three point jumper (Deni Avdija assists)
- 4th Quarter105-86Jeremiah Fears makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-86Toumani Camara makes 26-foot three point jumper (Caleb Love assists)
- 4th Quarter108-89Jordan Poole makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter109-89Deni Avdija makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-89Deni Avdija makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-92Jordan Poole makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Kevon Looney assists)
- 4th Quarter112-92Deni Avdija makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter113-92Deni Avdija makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter113-95Jordan Poole makes 26-foot three point jumper (Yves Missi assists)
- 4th Quarter113-96Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-97Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-99Zion Williamson makes running layup (Jordan Poole assists)
- 4th Quarter115-99Robert Williams III makes 2-foot dunk (Caleb Love assists)
- 4th Quarter115-101Zion Williamson makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter115-102Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter116-102Shaedon Sharpe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter117-102Shaedon Sharpe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-102Shaedon Sharpe makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter119-104Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter119-107Jordan Poole makes 27-foot three pointer (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter122-107Caleb Love makes 25-foot three point jumper (Deni Avdija assists)
- 4th Quarter122-109Micah Peavy makes 2-foot driving dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Portland Trail Blazers.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance16812
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Andy Nagy, Tyler Ricks
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