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Trail Blazers: Portland must capitalize on upcoming schedule

By Ryan Gaskin

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 21: CJ McCollum #3 and Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers hi-five during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 21, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 21: CJ McCollum #3 and Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers hi-five during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 21, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With all 4 upcoming games all against teams way below .500, the time to make a move is NOW for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Following a hard-fought loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trail Blazers are now 2-9 in November, and sit amongst the bottom three teams in the West. However, their upcoming schedule is kind, and offers a huge chance to turn this season around.

Starting Saturday, the Blazers next four games are against the 4-10 Cleveland Cavaliers, the 5-9 Oklahoma City Thunder, and twice against the 5-10 Chicago Bulls. With Damian Lillard expected to return, and Carmelo Anthony looking the part, the Blazers must make their move now, otherwise a winning season will begin to look out of reach.

Thursday’s loss vs Milwaukee provided a lot more positives than most other games this month, as the shorthanded Blazers battled hard, with several young role players stepping up. Skal Labissiere in particular shone, tallying 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. The young center showed off his offensive skills, hitting 2 three-pointers as well.

Gary Trent Jr. also played well; the guard earned a rare start and capitalized, going for 13 points on 5-7 shooting.

The Trail Blazers are currently 14th in the Western Conference, and do not look like a legitimate playoff team. Injuries have taken their toll, but regardless, the Blazers have got to start moving. With Lillard back, and Melo looking good for 15 a game, there is no reason why the Blazers shouldn’t sweep the next 4 games, and get back on track.

Four games against extremely weak teams, with no back-to-backs either. The Cavs and Thunder aren’t completely terrible, but don’t have too many weapons to expose the poor Blazers defense. These games will also give Portland fans a potential glimpse at the future, as Kevin Love of the Cavs, and Danilo Gallinari of the Thunder have both been touted as trade targets for the Blazers down the line.

The Bulls however, are simply awful. Despite their obvious offensive talent, Chicago rank bottom in the offensive rating this year, and shouldn’t be a problem for Portland. A pair of games against them offers the perfect chance to build some momentum, both on the offensive end defensive end. Melo is still yet to play with Lillard — this week will be key in fully integrating the forward into the offense.

If the Trail Blazers can go 4-0 this week, it could potentially turn their season around. I’ve always said the Blazers simply need to keep their head above water until Jusuf Nurkic returns, but a losing record over the next four, and the season could be unsalvageable. Both Nurkic and Zach Collins are planning to return this season, and I’d be surprised if Portland didn’t make a splash in the trade market, given all the assets they currently own.

Next. 3 stats that should worry the Blazers. dark

This team can be a dangerous sleeper late in the season with all those factors playing out, but the Blazers at least need to give themselves the chance to be that sleeper. Weeks like this, are critical. If Portland go 4-0, and can linger around the .500 mark until January time, they’ll give themselves a chance. Here’s hoping Nurkic returns to a team still in contention, as this scenario has the potential to get extremely interesting.