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Blazers-Pelicans Preview: Lillard's Streak in Jeopardy?

Portland Looks to Keep Rolling Against New Orleans

The Portland Trail Blazers (27-27) will look to continue their recent hot streak when they host the New Orleans Pelicans (26-28) on Monday night. The Blazers have won four of their last five games, including a 124-116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have lost four of their last five games, including a 122-117 defeat to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. New Orleans is currently in ninth place in the Western Conference standings, while Portland is in eighth place.

Lillard's Streak in Jeopardy

One of the biggest storylines in Monday night's game will be Damian Lillard's streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points. Lillard has scored at least 20 points in 51 straight games, which is the longest active streak in the NBA. However, Lillard is coming off a game in which he scored just 16 points against the Clippers. It was the first time this season that Lillard failed to score at least 20 points in a game. The Pelicans have a solid defensive team, led by Jrue Holiday and Brandon Ingram. Holiday is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and Ingram is a rising star who is averaging 24.2 points per game this season. If the Pelicans can limit Lillard's scoring, they will have a good chance of winning the game. However, if Lillard is able to get going, the Blazers will be tough to beat.

Other Key Matchups

In addition to the Lillard-Holiday matchup, there will be several other key matchups to watch in Monday night's game. * CJ McCollum vs. Lonzo Ball: McCollum is the Blazers' second-leading scorer, averaging 22.0 points per game. Ball is the Pelicans' starting point guard and is averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. * Jusuf Nurkic vs. Zion Williamson: Nurkic is the Blazers' starting center and is averaging 14.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Williamson is the Pelicans' rookie sensation and is averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. * Carmelo Anthony vs. Brandon Ingram: Anthony is the Blazers' veteran forward and is averaging 15.4 points per game. Ingram is the Pelicans' rising star and is averaging 24.2 points per game. The winner of Monday night's game will have a leg up in the race for the playoffs. The Blazers are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference standings, while the Pelicans are in ninth place. A win would give the Blazers a two-game lead over the Pelicans with just 27 games remaining in the regular season.