New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) scores against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of a basketball game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
The New Orleans Pelicans started 2026 the same way they ended the final week and a half of 2025 — with a loss.
The Portland Trail Blazers handed the short-handed Pelicans (8-28) their sixth consecutive loss after a five-game winning streak, defeating them 122-109 on Friday night in the Smoothie King Center.
Deni Avdija had 34 points and 10 assists, Shaedon Sharpe scored 23, Caleb Love had 22, Toumani Camara has 14, and Donovan Clingan added 11 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Blazers (15-20).
Zion Williamson tied a career-best with his third consecutive game with at least 30 points, finishing with a season-high 35 to lead the Pelicans. Jeremiah Fears scored 18, Karlo Matkovic had 16, Jordan Poole chipped in 16 and Bryce McGowens added 13.
New Orleans plays at the Miami Heat at 5 p.m. Sunday before returning home to face the Los Angeles Lakers at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Four Pelicans who have started a combined 104 games this season did not play because of injuries. Herb Jones missed his sixth consecutive game because of a sprained right ankle, and Trey Murphy (lower back soreness), Derik Queen (left quad contusion) and Saddiq Bey (right hip flexor strain) also were out.
As a result, New Orleans used its 16th different starting lineup this season with Poole, McGowens and Yves Missi joining Williamson and Fears in the lineup. The four sidelined players average a combined 58.5 points and 22.7 rebounds.
The Blazers started the third quarter with a 9-2 run that produced a 72-57 lead. The Pelicans crept within seven points twice before Portland rebuilt its advantage to 85-75 at the end of the third quarter and expanded it to 22 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans scored the first seven points of the game before the Blazers settled down and took a 25-22 lead on a 3-pointer by Sharpe. Matkovic scored 10 points to help New Orleans open a 10-point lead before Avdija’s two free throws left the Pelicans with a 37-29 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The fifth and final lead change of the second quarter came when Robert Williams made a tip-in to give Portland a 53-51 edge. That basket was part of an 11-0 run that helped the Blazers grab a 63-55 halftime lead.
New Orleans managed just two field goals by Williamson during the final six minutes of the half.