For the sixth time this season, the Blazers will be playing in back-to-back games. None of the front end games went to triple overtime, however. After playing over 50 minutes each, starters LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard, and Wesley Matthews will be tired and probably play a restricted amount of time.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, are coming off a nice two day break and a big win over the Houston Rockets. Anthony Davis is back from his chest injury suffered on December 12th against the Cleveland Cavaliers and has been playing lights out. In his two games back, he’s averaged 30 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and four blocks.

Tonight’s matchup between Anthony Davis and LaMarcus Aldridge will be the deciding factor in the game. Both are All-Star caliber, but Anthony Davis’ strong defense may prove a challenge for LA to score on.

Besides these two, Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard should play well versus one another. Holiday has been in form lately just as Damian Lillard has, so it should be interesting to see if they can continue their hot play when guarding each other.

Robin Lopez will miss his third game now, but Portland seems to be dealing with the loss quite well. Joel Freeland and Thomas Robinson are seeing an increase in their minutes and are using it well. They provide great energy off the bench, which might be needed when Aldridge, Lillard, and Matthews are forced to rest throughout the game.

Nicolas Batum and Tyreke Evans are game-time decisions as of this morning. Batum missed the Blazers’ game last night against San Antonio because of his wrist and might be out for a second straight. Dorell Wright and Allen Crabbe have seen more play time because of this, and although it may not be reflected on the stat sheet, they each make a huge impact on the offensive and defensive end.

Evans has missed one game also, but in the three games before his knee ailment, he was firing on all cylinders. He was averaging 28 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block before his absence against Houston. If he does play, his minutes will likely be limited and his numbers down from season averages.

All in all, both teams match up very well together, but coming off a big triple overtime win last night, Portland may look a little sluggish, giving New Orleans a slight advantage going into the night. If Aldridge can shut down Anthony Davis on offense and Evans doesn’t play, the Blazers could be in a good position to win their fifth straight.