How does this series go?

42: Pelicans in 7 is my prediction. Following that are Pelicans in 6 and Trail Blazers in 7. I think Jrue has a couple good defensive games and he makes the difference, a couple games where Davis looks like a man who really hates sandals with socks.

Levy: I predict Pelicans win in 6. Solomon Hill and Mirotic will be big factors on defense. Who knows, it even looks like “playoff Rondo” is a real thing as of late. Lol.

James Grayson: Blazers in 6 or 7. I think that Portland, with their home-court advantage, along with their role players will be too much. I think that Terry Stotts’ defensive scheme is also conduit for slowing down the Pelicans (he tries to force teams to take long-twos). I do hope I’m wrong though and New Orleans wins.

Mason Ginsberg: If I had to pick one series outcome, I would go with Blazers in 7. That being said, I think it’s as close to a coin flip as we could get, but I cannot bring myself to pick against Damian Lillard in a Game 7 at home. If the Pels are going to win this series, they need to do it in 6 games. The defense of the Pelicans’ guards will dictate this series, in my opinion. I believe in Playoff Rondo, but if he lets CJ or Dame run circles around him, I would not be shocked to see Moore get heavier minutes at the 2-guard spot than he saw throughout the season with a combo of Miller/Hill filling in at the 3. Another intriguing option: putting Rondo on Turner, and daring him to beat you.