Desperate Pelicans Take On Trail Blazers To Close Back-to-Back
NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green isn't defeated, but he is frustrated.
As the season reaches its most difficult juncture his team is not playing its best basketball, or anything remotely close to it. In the Pelicans' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night they committed 22 turnovers, the most since they gave it away 24 times against the Miami Heat back in January.
Less than 24 hours later the Pelicans will take the floor again, facing the Portland Trail Blazers.
"It's a quick turnaround, so it does not get any easier," he said last night. "We can help ourselves by simply out-playing teams and playing smart...Our margin for error is small when we have guys out."
New Orleans will once again be without reserves Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance Jr., with Brandon Ingram a likely game-time decision with his injured ankle, as they take on a Portland team that sits just one game behind them in the Western Conference standings.
Mar 1, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green encourages his team during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Offensively, the Pelicans have fallen apart. Over the last 10 games they are averaging a NBA-worst 105.1 points per game and their 106.8 offensive rating is second-worst.
Defensively, they've languished in the middle of the pack. Opponents have found easy paths to the basket and far too many open looks.
New Orleans and Portland have split their first two games this season, with each winning on the other's home floor by 11 points. The Pelicans can't allow that trend to continue.
Counting tonight's contest, the Pels have only eight games remaining at the Smoothie King Center. Six of those are against teams competing for the postseason.
It's now well past "go time" for the Pelicans. If they can't start a winning streak soon the New Orleans Pelicans will be left wondering where their chances of reaching the postseason went.
New Orleans Pelicans (32-35) vs Portland Trail Blazers (31-36)
Location: Smoothie King Center
Time: 6:00 PM CT
Watch: Bally Sports NO
Listen: WRNO 99.5 FM
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