The Portland Trail Blazers took full advantage of the depleted New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday night, winning 119-100 at the Smoothie King Center. The Blazers dominated from the start, winning the first quarter 40-24 and then building a 75-42 halftime lead. Their 75 first-half points and 68.9% shooting were season highs.

Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Shaedon Sharpe added 21 and the Portland Trail Blazers led from start to finish in a 119-100 victory over the struggling New Orleans Pelicans.

New Orleans played without power forward Zion Williamson, who was held out as a precaution after coming back from a left hamstring strain a night earlier.

The New Orleans Pelicans have ruled out Zion Williamson for their game Wednesday night against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

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Zion Williamson made his return for the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday after a 27-game absence with a bum hamstring. He looked great. For starters, he clearly kept himself in shape while he was out,

Zion Williamson scored 22 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block in his return from a 27-game injury absence.

It was about as bad as it could get for the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday night in the Smoothie King Center. There was no Zion Williamson, who played the night before for the first time since November,

With star forward Zion Williamson held out one night after returning to action, the Pelicans were routed Wednesday (Jan. 8) by the Portland Trail Blazers, 119-100. Deni Avdija scored 26 points, Shaedon Sharpe added 21 and the Blazers (13-23) never trailed,