Blazers Edge Pelicans to Draw Even with Clippers for 8th Seed

The Portland Trail Blazers are still in the win column after beating the New Orleans Pelicans 118-106 inside the Moda Center.

The Blazers trailed at halftime against the Pelicans, but the adjustments they made in the second half worked in their favor. They allowed just 16 points to the Pelicans in the third quarter, giving them a double-digit lead and a seven-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

While the Pelicans kept things close going into the final minutes, the Blazers ultimately pulled away and claimed victory in the 78th game of the season.

This was a big win for the Blazers because they are in a virtual tie with the Los Angeles Clippers for eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The Clippers have played two fewer games than the Blazers, so their win percentage is technically higher than the Clippers.

However, the result of their game against the San Antonio Spurs has not been finalized. At the time of the Blazers' victory, the Clippers were trailing the Spurs in the fourth quarter.

The Blazers need every bit of opportunity to get out of the play-in, and being eighth place will help them as they get two chances to clinch a spot in the playoffs, as opposed to one.

Blazers Win vs. Pelicans Extremely Significant

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday passes the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

In the win, Jrue Holiday was the leading scorer with 27 points while making seven three-pointers.

Deni Avdija was also strong with 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Toumani Camara also was hot from downtown, making six threes to the tune of 23 points. Scoot Henderson played just 20 minutes but was able to post 14 points. Matisse Thybulle was also strong with 13 points off the bench.

The Pelicans were led by rookie point guard Jeremiah Fears, who dropped the team-high 21 points. Trey Murphy III had 19, while Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson each had 15. Rookie big man Derik Queen dropped in 12 points off the bench.

The win pushes the Blazers closer to where they want to be, but they still have a long way to go with four massive games left on the schedule.

The Blazers now face the toughest part of their remaining schedule, but they will get a few days off as they prepare to face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Tip-off is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. PT inside Ball Arena in Denver. Fans can watch the game on Rip City Sports Network or stream it on NBA League Pass.