After suffering a loss at the hands of Kawhi and the Clippers last night, the Portland Trail Blazers look to bounce back against Kyrie Irving and the Nets.
After suffering three consecutive losses, the Portland Trail Blazers can’t seem to buy a bucket when they need it. Running the challenging Western Conference gauntlet has been no small task thus far, and the road is only going to get harder from here as the team heads home to take on the Brooklyn Nets.
Kyrie Irving has been phenomenal in his short time with Brooklyn thus far, averaging 31.7 points, 7.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per contest with a 60.9 true shooting percentage. We should be in for some quality television tonight as the superstar squares off against Damian Lillard, who is averaging 30 points, 7.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds while maintaining a 61.5 true shooting percentage. This showdown could determine who holds the crown of top point guard in the league in the absence of Stephen Curry.
Ultimately, it may come down to which team’s supporting cast can prevail as the two guards exchange blows. CJ McCollum and Caris LeVert are deadly shot creators. Hassan Whiteside and Jarrett Allen are defensive stalwarts in the paint. Rodney Hood and Taurean Prince are the x-factors that can sway a game with their offensive abilities.
This game looks to be filled with fireworks as both teams are looking to shake off rough starts and prove they’ve got what it takes to contend for a championship.
Follow the action
- Date: November 8, 2019
- Time: 7:00 p.m. PT
- Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
- Watch: NBC Sports Northwest, Fubo.tv
- Listen: Rip City Radio 620
Portland’s odds against Brooklyn
- Favorite: Trail Blazers (-2.5)
- Over/under: 233
- Moneyline: -146 Portland/+132 Brooklyn
Gambling odds and information courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Saturday at 11:30 a.m. PT.
Starting lineups and injury report
Portland Trail Blazers
- PG: Damian Lillard
- SG: CJ McCollum
- SF: Rodney Hood
- PF: Anthony Tolliver
- C: Hassan Whiteside
- Injury report: Out – Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, Pau Gasol
Brooklyn Nets
- PG: Kyrie Irving
- SG: Caris LeVert
- SF: Joe Harris
- PF: Taurean Prince
- C: Jarrett Allen
- Injury report: Out – Kevin Durant; Questionable – DeAndre Jordan
Staff predictions
"“The Nets backcourt rotation consists of Irving, LeVert, Harris and Dinwiddie. Each of these players share a common trait: they’re defensive liabilities. As long as Portland’s depth can go punch-for-punch with Brooklyn’s role players, expect Dame and CJ to guide the Blazers to victory.” — Austin Carroll"
"“Portland should bounce back against the Nets. Brooklyn has been struggling on defense and rely heavily on Kyrie to get them across the line. Blazers will have too much fire power.” — Stevie Cozens"
"“This is a must-win game for the Blazers. Dame will show that he is the more dominant point guard over Kyrie Irving and the role players will give him enough help to win.” — Isaac Baker"
"“Portland is on the second night of a tough back to back. Meanwhile, the Nets haven’t played since Monday. The Blazers are beat up and worn down and the Nets will likely take advantage. Kyrie vs Dame will surely make for a fun duel, but ultimately, the Blazers may not have the depth or the defense to stop the Nets.” — Andrew Zahnd"
"“Portland should win here. The Nets don’t look much of a team as of yet, and the Blazers should win the guard battle.” — Ryan Gaskin"
Check back after the action has concluded for post-game analysis and insight on to what’s in store for the Trail Blazers’ future.