Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game preview, prediction, time, TV channel

The Portland Trail Blazers remained positive despite losing lopsidedly to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at the Moda Center. “I think we’re gonna be able to bounce back,” forward Toumani Camara said Thursday following practice. That chance comes Friday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, who also play the Blazers Sunday afternoon. Chances are, the Blazers won’t lose by 35 points (139-104) to the Pelicans as they did the Warriors on Wednesday to open the season. But winning will be a challenge. The Pelicans feature CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Guard Dejounte Murray is out for a fractured arm. The combination of McCollum, Ingram, and Williamson will present a defensive challenge for the Blazers, riddled by Golden State. Camara said the Pelicans will be physical. “They probably shoot the ball a little less than Golden State does,” he said. “And probably less movement. Golden State plays with so many screens. So many off-ball screens. It’s just a different game plan. We played against (the Pelicans) last year also, so I think we’re going to be prepared for that.” New Orleans shot 37.8% from three-point range during its 123-111 in at Chicago to start the season. McCollum scored 23. Williamson did not play due to illness. Prediction: The loss of Murray is a blow for the Pelicans. But Williamson is expected to play and will be a matchup nightmare for the Blazers. So will Ingram. McCollum will, of course, look to play well against his former team. Still, the Blazers could rebound from Wednesday’s mess and pick up one of two against the Pelicans. Maybe even the first one. TV channel: KATU Charge (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Comcast: 302 and 1170. DirecTV and Dish: Available Jan. 1). How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here. Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe (left shoulder posterior labral tear), Robert Williams III (left hamstring strain) and Matisse Thybulle (right knee inflammation) are out. Pelicans: Trey Murphy III (right hamstring strain) and Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture) are out. The Blazers host the Pelicans again at 3 p.m. Sunday.