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Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers prediction: Why Portland is favored to win Thursday's NBA game [4/2/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get New Orleans Pelicans vs Portland Trail Blazers predictions for NBA Thursday.
The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans are scheduled to meet in NBA action at Moda Center on Thursday, starting at 10:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulations and today’s injury news, Dimers' advanced NBA model predicts the Trail Blazers as the most likely winner of the Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Trail Blazers lineup will feature players like Deni Avdija, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, while the Pelicans will look to Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey.
This article offers further insights into Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Pelicans vs. Blazers prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NBA game between the Pelicans and Trail Blazers, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model currently gives the Trail Blazers a 68% chance of defeating the Pelicans. Our predicted final score has the Trail Blazers winning 118-113.
According to our model, the Pelicans (+6.5) have a 54% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 233 points has a 53% chance of staying under.
Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Pelicans | Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +6.5 (-110) | -6.5 (-108) |
| Moneyline | +205 | -245 |
| Total | o233 (-110) | u233 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers picks and best bet
After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +6.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans | +205 |
| Total | Under 233 | -110 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Pelicans +6.5 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers player props
NBA player props are a popular way to wager on the Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers matchup without necessarily betting on the outcome. We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Moda Center.
Trey Murphy is expected to lead the Pelicans with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Deni Avdija is projected to have 27 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the Trail Blazers.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Pelicans prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Pelicans are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Murphy | 24 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 46 |
| Zion Williamson | 21 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 37 |
| Saddiq Bey | 19 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 34 |
| Dejounte Murray | 17 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 39 |
| Herbert Jones | 10 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
Trail Blazers prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Trail Blazers:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deni Avdija | 27 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 54 |
| Jrue Holiday | 18 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 38 |
| Scoot Henderson | 16 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 32 |
| Toumani Camara | 14 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 29 |
| Donovan Clingan | 14 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 40 |
Pelicans vs. Blazers game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's action between the Trail Blazers and Pelicans at Moda Center is scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM ET.
- Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET/7:00PM PT
- Venue: Moda Center
Conclusion
We predict the Trail Blazers, with a 68% win probability, will likely beat the Pelicans on Thursday, with Deni Avdija projected for a game-high 54 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our responsible gambling hub.
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Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
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