I understand it's difficult to get behind the decimated Trail Blazers, losers of 18 of their last 20 games, even with a point spread in this range.

But the Pelicans are not some elite team and this isn't a kill spot for them. New Orleans has clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. The Pelicans will meet the Spurs in that game. The Pelicans also haven't been at home since March 27. They just concluded a four-game West Coast trip and then go right back on the road to play the Grizzlies in Memphis on Saturday. So focus could be an issue for them. 

The Pelicans also could be minus their best big man as Jonas Valanciunas is questionable with an ankle injury.