Three games remain and the New Orleans Pelicans are neck and neck with the San Antonio Spurs to earn the right to host the 9-10 matchup of the Western Conference play-in tournament.
While the Spurs have the more difficult remaining schedule, they’ve won seven of their last eight. So with possessing a mere one-game lead over them, it’s imperative for the Pelicans to beat the Trail Blazers tonight.
Portland shouldn’t pose much of a threat, having won just twice in their last 18. One of those defeats came at the hands of the Pelicans last week, but the contest was closer than expected.