The record shows a 2-6 mark for Portland in its last eight games and just a 1 1/2 game lead for the Trail Blazers over Utah for the final playoff spot in the West.

A closer look at the Trail Blazers' tailspin reveals that their last six losses - all on the road - were against the Spurs, Thunder, Warriors, Pistons, Raptors and Celtics. Now Portland drops down in class to face the decimated Pelicans.

I see a strong effort forthcoming from the Blazers and a bounce back victory. New Orleans is down five players for the season, including key cogs Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon. Point guard Norris Cole is questionable. The Trail Blazers have a huge backcourt edge with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.

The Pelicans are 2-8 in their last 10 games, an adrift team without hope. The only team the Pelicans have beaten during this span is the Kings. Three of New Orleans' starters are Dante Cunningham, Omer Asik and Toney Douglas. So it's not a surprise the Pelicans have problems beating any team with a pulse.

New Orleans is 2-7 ATS the past nine times facing a foe with a winning record, while Portland is 11-5 ATS the past 16 times against opponents with a losing record.