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Preview: Can the Trail Blazers best a true title contender in Houston?

By Austin Carroll

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets at Moda Center on March 20, 2018 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. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in action against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets at Moda Center on March 20, 2018 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. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers look to have their hands full with the surging Houston Rockets, but a win here tonight could be big for their postseason prospects.

The Portland Trail Blazers kickstarted their six-game road trip with a bang by escaping the jaws of defeat and overcoming the San Antonio Spurs. If Saturday night’s action was filled with fireworks, Rip City’s trip to Houston should get even crazier.

The Rockets have defied all expectations to start the season, as most assumed it would take some time for James Harden and Russell Westbrook to effectively gel and share ball-handling responsibilities. On the back of the duo’s 60.5 combined points per game, Houston now stands at 10-3 and has strung together seven consecutive victories.

Here’s what to expect as the NBA’s top two backcourt pairings are dead set on a collision course for the Toyota Center tonight.

Follow the Action

  • Date: Monday, November 18, 2019
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
  • Watch: NBA TV, NBC Sports Northwest, Fubo.tv
  • Listen: Rip City Radio

Game Odds

  • Favorites: Rockets (-7.5)
  • Over/under: 230.5
  • Moneyline: +240 Portland/-300 Houston

Gambling odds and information courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Saturday at 8:30 a.m. PT.

Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers

Houston Rockets

Staff Predictions

"“Despite Harden’s recent dominance — and Portland’s tendency to commit dumb fouls — I believe Rip City can overcome Space City in a shootout. Dame and CJ can go shot-for-shot with Russ and Harden, and the Blazers have a more offensively talented second unit.” — Carroll"

"“The Rockets defense has been very patchy this season, this presents an opportunity for the Blazers to get back on track. The Blazers will upset the Rockets with a close win” — Cozens"

"“We know the history between Dame and Russ, but the circumstances are much different this time. The Blazers may hang around for 3 quarters but Harden has seemed unstoppable in the fourth this season. The Rockets will pull out a W at home.” — Zahnd"

"“I think Houston will be too good here. They play fast, have shored up their defense slightly, and Harden seems unstoppable right now.” — Gaskin"

Next. Should the Blazers consider waiving Pau Gasol?. dark

Check back in upon the game’s conclusion for post-game analysis and more Portland Trail Blazers updates.