Something has to give for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Since Jan. 6, the Pelicans have dropped 18 of their last 24 games, including four consecutive losses to fall to 30-32 on the season. It's no coincidence that New Orleans' plunge coincides with the absence of All-Star Zion Williamson, who suffered a strained right hamstring on Jan. 2.
As they look to bounce back and stay in the postseason race, the Pelicans embark on a three-game road trip that begins with the Trail Blazers, who are also in the hunt for a spot in the West's Play-In Tournament thanks to the stellar performances of Damian Lillard.
LEGENDARY. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/BaYNtlqSMK
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 27, 2023
And while it's a homecoming of sorts for C.J. McCollum, New Orleans has bigger things to focus on as it can not afford to lose a crucial head-to-head battle. After Wednesday, the teams will meet twice more in the month of March.
Will Williamson be in action to help his team get back on track? Here is the latest on his status for Wednesday night's game.
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Is Zion Williamson playing tonight?
On Feb. 12, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin announced that Williamson had re-aggravated his hamstring injury and would miss multiple weeks after the All-Star Game, which was played on Feb. 19.
Williamson has been ruled out for Wednesday's game in Portland.
What channel is Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers on?
- TV channel (national): ESPN
- TV channel (New Orleans): Bally Sports New Orleans
- TV channel (Portland): Root Sports Plus
- Live stream: Sling TV
In addition to regional broadcasts in local markets, Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers will air nationally on ESPN in the United States. Fans in the U.S. can also stream Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games during the final stretch of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers start time
- Date: Wednesday, March 1
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
Pelicans vs. Trail Blazers from the Moda Center is scheduled to tip off around 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 1, which is 7 p.m. local time in Portland.
Pelicans schedule 2022-23
Here are New Orleans' next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| March 1 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 3 | at Warriors | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 6 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| March 8 | vs. Mavericks | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 11 | vs. Thunder | 8:30 p.m. | — |
Trail Blazers schedule 2022-23
Here are Portland's next five games:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| March 1 | vs. Pelicans | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 3 | at Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 5 | at Magic | 6 p.m. | — |
| March 6 | at Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |
| March 8 | at Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | — |
