Pelicans at Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have won four in a row and six of seven heading into their game Monday against the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, but they could be without their starting forwards for a second consecutive game. LaMarcus Aldridge is recovering from a respiratory illness that kept him out of Saturday’s win against the Brooklyn Nets. Nicolas Batum has missed the last three games with a knee injury.
Allen Crabbe and Meyers Leonard would likely get the nod as replacement starters should either Aldridge or Batum not receive the green light to play. The Trail Blazers have won all three games that Crabbe has started at small forward. The Pelicans haven’t won in Portland since 2010 but should have plenty of momentum after setting franchise records for field goals (56), shooting percentage (66.7) and margin of victory in the 139-91 victory Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, CSN Northwest (Portland)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (5-3): Anthony Davis appears to be taking his game to another level for the second consecutive season, coming in averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.1 blocks. Even his assists and steals are up so far this season, suggesting an MVP run could be in store if he continues his assent. He was battling back spasms when these teams last met in April but the month before went for 36 points and nine rebounds while matched against Portland center Robin Lopez.
ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (7-3): Portland has been finding different ways to win, scoring 84 first-half points in a shootout victory against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and then winning a low-scoring defensive battle Saturday against the Nets. The Trail Blazers have become accustomed to winning in November, posting a 13-2 record last season and are off to a 6-2 start this month. Getting past a second straight team without Aldridge and Batum will be a big test, however.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Pelicans went 1-7 on the road last season against Portland, the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz, the four opponents on the road trip that begins Monday.
2. In the win against Minnesota, the Pelicans became the first team to make 15 3-points while shooting at least 65 percent from the floor.
3. Portland PG Damian Lillard is the only player with at least 28 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and at least four 3-pointers in a game this season.