Now ninth place in the Western Conference, New Orleans will face Portland in Oregon on Wednesday (9 p.m., Bally Sports, 100.3 FM), for the first of two matchups against the Trail Blazers over an eight-day period (the latter is April 7 in the Crescent City). Portland could figure prominently in the tight West play-in race, because it also has a pair of games left at No. 11 San Antonio (April 3, 5).
Larry Nance Jr. (right knee arthroscopy) is listed as probable to play against his former team Wednesday. Jonas Valanciunas (right foot soreness) is questionable. Jared Harper (G League two-way), Kira Lewis Jr.