Pelicans Seek Fourth Straight Win Against Cavaliers

New Orleans looks to extend its winning streak as it hosts Cleveland in an interconference matchup.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:03am

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The New Orleans Pelicans are riding a three-game winning streak and will look to make it four in a row when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. The Pelicans have been strong at home this season, going 16-21, while the Cavaliers have been solid on the road, posting a 21-14 record. Both teams have been playing well lately, with the Pelicans averaging 119 points per game over their last 10 and the Cavaliers averaging 116.9 points.

Why it matters

This game features two teams heading in opposite directions in the standings. The Pelicans are looking to build momentum and climb up the Western Conference standings, while the Cavaliers are trying to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

The Pelicans have been led by the strong play of Trey Murphy III, who is averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Zion Williamson has also been a key contributor, averaging 18.2 points over the last 10 games. For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell has been their top scorer, averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc. Evan Mobley and James Harden have also been productive for Cleveland.

  • The Pelicans and Cavaliers last met on December 24, 2025, with the Cavaliers winning 141-118.
  • This will be the second and final regular-season matchup between the two teams.

The players

Trey Murphy III

A key player for the Pelicans, averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star player, averaging 18.2 points per game over the last 10 contests.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' leading scorer, averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc.

Evan Mobley

A key contributor for the Cavaliers, averaging 18.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

James Harden

The Cavaliers' veteran guard, averaging 20.3 points and 5.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same energy and focus that has led to our recent success.”

— Trey Murphy III, Pelicans Player

“This is a big game for us as we look to maintain our position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Player

What’s next

The Pelicans and Cavaliers will meet again on April 5, 2026 in Cleveland to conclude their regular-season series.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Pelicans and Cavaliers features two teams heading in opposite directions in the standings, with the Pelicans looking to build momentum and the Cavaliers trying to maintain their playoff position. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.