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Can the Trail Blazers get back on track against Atlanta?

By Ryan Gaskin

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 8: The Portland Trail Blazers look on against the Brooklyn Nets on November 8, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 8: The Portland Trail Blazers look on against the Brooklyn Nets on November 8, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers are 3-6, and currently riding a 4-game losing streak. Can they stop the bleeding vs the Hawks?

The Portland Trail Blazers are in a rut. Friday night’s game vs Brooklyn seemed a great one to get back on track, but Damian Lillard was the only one who showed up, dropping 60 points in a 115-119 loss.

Fast forward to Sunday, the schedule has been kind to Portland, with a home matchup with the Atlanta Hawks next up. Don’t let me draw you into the idea that Atlanta will be a pushover (Trae Young is currently playing at an absurd level), but this is the sort of game the Blazers would want on a 4-game losing streak.

Atlanta are 3-5, and most recently lost the Sacramento Kings. Whilst they have shown signs of being a really good young team, the Hawks are streaky, and will give the Blazers offense plenty of looks. More significantly, the Hawks will be without John Collins, who is currently serving a 25 game ban for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. Collins is a big part of Atlanta’s frontcourt scoring, and with the Blazers still extremely thin on big men, Collins’ suspension comes as a huge relief.

The Trail Blazers have also called up Moses Brown and Jaylen Hoard from their G-League affiliation with the Texas Legends. As Skal Labissiere picked up an injury on Friday night, the Blazers are even more shorthanded; Brown could see some minutes at the center position. Watch out for Nassir Little also — the rookie was impressive off the bench vs Brooklyn, and could see himself being added to the rotation.

How to Follow the Action

  • Date: November 10, 2019
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
  • Watch: NBC Sports Northwest
  • Listen: Rip City Radio 620

Game Odds

  • Spread: Portland (-8.5)
  • Over/Under: 227.5
  • Moneyline: -380 Portland/+303 Atlanta

Gambling odds and information courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Sunday at 6:30 a.m. PT.

Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers

Atlanta Hawks

Staff Predictions

"“Portland should should have too much scoring for this Hawks team. Atlanta will also be without John Collins, who is a big miss.” — Ryan Gaskin"

"“Pressure is mounting on the Blazers to win games now. They won’t get a better opportunity to do so against a beaten up lottery team at home. If just one other player can step up in a big way to assist Dame, expect Portland to cruise to a victory.” — Austin Carroll"

"“The Blazers defense will need to be better against the threat of Trae Young. His shooting ability and brilliant passing has already surprised a few teams this year” — Stevie Cozens"

"“Trae Young and Damian Lillard going at it will be must see TV. We will surely see some bombs from the logo and an unrivaled display of shooting. Come the fourth quarter, I expect the Blazers to hold an edge and finish strong.” — Andrew Zahnd"

"“The Hawks and the Blazers have both been struggling recently. I expect the Blazers to be the team to step up and win in this game. This matchup against the Hawks will hopefully get everybody back on track and Damian Lillard will continue to dominate.” — Isaac Baker"

Next. Damian Lillard can't carry the Blazers forever. dark

The Portland Trail Blazers desperately need a win here, and will need contributions from someone not named Damian Lillard. Check back in at Rip City Project after the game for more insight and analysis.