Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Match Preview, Prediction, Time, TV Channel

The Portland Trail Blazers remained positive despite their lopsided loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at the Moda Center.

“I think we will be able to bounce back,” striker Toumani Camara said after training on Thursday.

That chance comes Friday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, who also play the Blazers on Sunday afternoon.

Chances are the Blazers won't lose by 35 points (139-104) to the Pelicans, like they did against the Warriors in their season opener on Wednesday.

But winning will be a challenge. The Pelicans consist of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Guard Dejounte Murray is out with a broken arm.

The combination of McCollum, Ingram and Williamson will provide a defensive challenge for the Blazers, who are plagued by Golden State.

Camara said the Pelicans would be physical.

“They probably shoot the ball a little less than Golden State,” he said. “And probably less exercise. Golden State plays with so many screens. So many off-ball screens. It's just a different game plan. We played against (the Pelicans) last year too, so I think we’ll be ready for that.”

New Orleans shot 37.8% from three-point range in its 123-111 win at Chicago to open the season. McCollum scored 23 points. Williamson did not play due to illness.

Forecast: Losing Murray is a blow to the Pelicans. But Williamson is expected to play, and it will be a nightmare for the Blazers. This also applies to Ingram. McCollum will of course try to play well against his former team. Still, the Blazers could recover from Wednesday's mess and get one of two goals against the Pelicans. Maybe even the first.

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

What: Trail Blazers (0-1) vs. Pelicans (1-0), 7 p.m., Friday night.

Where: Moda Center

Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

TV channels: KATU Charge (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Comcast: 302 and 1170. DirecTV and Dish: Available January 1).

How to watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don't have cable, you can watch this game live for FREE using an HDTV antenna at your local ABC affiliate (2.2 fee in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions for setting up an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on near you using the channel finder here.

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OPPORTUNITIES (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

Money line: POR +185 | NOP-225

Spread: POR +5.5 | Over/Under: 218.5

INJURIES

Blazer: Shaedon Sharpe (posterior labrum tear of left shoulder), Robert Williams III (left thigh strain) and Matisse Thybulle (inflammation of the right knee) are out.

Pelicans: Trey Murphy III (right hamstring strain) and Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture) are out.

Next

The Blazers host the Pelicans again on Sunday at 3 p.m.