PREVIEW: The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday at the Moda Center , with the home team looking to extend their recent success. Winners in seven of their past nine games, Portland aims to maintain their strong stretch heading into the Western Conference play-in tournament. The Pelicans rank near the bottom defensively, allowing a league-high 44.4 percent of three-point attempts , which could spell trouble against a Trail Blazers team that consistently launches from distance. Meanwhile, New Orleans struggles with their own perimeter shot selection, ranking 26th in three-point attempt frequency at just 36.0 percent , making it difficult to keep pace with Portland's offensive rhythm. Deni Avdija has emerged as Portland's engine, finishing a recent victory over Los Angeles with 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists , and he figures to be central to Thursday's matchup. Portland boasts one of the league's elite offensive rebounding units at 30.7 percent, ranking second , giving them multiple chances on each possession. New Orleans enters on a five-game losing streak and has been eliminated from postseason contention , placing them in a position where pride and competitive spirit become the primary motivators. The teams last met on January 2, with Portland securing a 122-109 victory behind Avdija's 34-point, 11-assist performance , suggesting the Blazers have found a winning formula against this opponent.