NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Pelicans have dropped their sixth straight game, falling 122-109 to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Pelicans were short-handed — missing Saddiq Bey (strained hip flexor), Trey Murphy III (back soreness) and productive rookie Derik Queen (left quad) — but shot 59.1% in the opening period, scored 37 points and could have had more had they not missed five of 13 free throws.
But their nine-point lead to start the second evaporated when they scored just 18 points on 9-of-22 shooting, including misses on all six attempts from deep in the quarter.
Zion Williamson, back in the starting lineup, led the way for the Pelicans with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored 18 points. Jordan Poole and Karlo Matkovic each had 16 points and Kevon Looney grabbed 12 rebounds.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers center...
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) and guard Sidy Cissoko during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)(Matthew Hinton | AP)
The last Pelicans win came on Dec. 22 against the Dallas Mavericks.
The team travels to Miami to take on the Heat this Sunday. Catch the action on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network.
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