In fact, the Blazers almost scored more points in the first quarter (40) than the Pelicans scored in the entire first half (42). The Pels trailed 75-42 at the break, drawing boos from the home crowd as they headed to the locker room.

The Pelicans have ruled out Zion Williamson for Wednesday’s game vs. Portland after he returned from a hamstring strain on Tuesday against Minnesota, playing for the first time in over two months.

Anfernee Simons scored 17 points and Toumani Camara 15 for Portland, which led 75-42 at halftime and cruised from there. Deandre Ayton scored 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Blazers, who shot 54.5%.