The Blazers will win 45 games, be a 7 seed in the West, and lose in the first round. Nobody will pay any attention outside of Portland. That's what the Blazers do - that's Blazers basketball. They're a good team without any great players. But they're always tough at home - last year they were 41-41 but had a 26-15 record at the Rose Garden (I call it the Rose Garden b/c I forget what they call it now). On the year, they're 2-1 after walloping the Suns and Pacers (who both stink) and losing a tight one in Milwaukee.
The Pelicans have two of the best 15ish players in the NBA in Cousins and Davis. You see their roster on paper and think, hey they should be good. You watch some clips of Boogie and the Brow and envision a top-6 seed in the West. Then you remember that Alvin Gentry is still their coach and decide to take Portland and lay the 4.5 points.
Pick: Blazers -4.5