Do this banged up Portland Trail Blazers team have enough in the tank to start building some positive momentum against the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The current state of the Portland Trail Blazers is honestly pretty grim. After making a trip to the Conference Finals just last season, I guarantee not many people were expecting to this team sitting at 5-11 and tied for the second-worst record in the West.
After four consecutive games on the road, Rip City desperately awaits its team to come back home. But first, they’ll have stops in Cleveland and Chicago. Fortunately, this offers a great opportunity to pick up a pair of wins and some positive momentum as the Blazers strive to get back in the playoff picture before its too late.
These are the type of the games Portland needs to win if they want to tread water until the Bosnian Beast returns. A loss tonight could potentially sink the 2019-20 season, with the fans’ high hopes drowning alongside the team.
Here’s how to watch and what you can expect from tonight’s action.
Follow the Action
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2019
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
- Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- Watch: NBC Sports Northwest, Fubo.tv
- Listen: Rip City Radio 620
Game Odds
- Favorites: Trail Blazers (-5)
- Over/under: (not available)
- Moneyline: (not available)
Gambling odds and information courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Saturday at 6:00 a.m. PT.
Starting Lineups and Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers
- PG: Damian Lillard
- SG: CJ McCollum
- SF: Rodney Hood
- PF: Carmelo Anthony
- C: Anthony Tolliver
- Injury report: Out – Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins
Cleveland Cavaliers
- PG: Darius Garland
- SG: Collin Sexton
- SF: Cedi Osman
- PF: Kevin Love
- C: Tristan Thompson
- Injury report: Out – John Henson, Dylan Windler
Any new information regarding injuries will be updated ASAP.
Staff Predictions
"“I’m actually not going to completely rule out the Cavs here. Their duo of young guards are liable to get hot on any given night, and Tristan Thompson’s high level of play has been one of the biggest surprise stories of the year. That being said, I’ll give the edge to the more battle-tested team in Portland, who should be itching to pick up a much-needed win.” — Carroll"
"“Dame should return vs the Cavs, and Portland should get back to winning ways. This’ll be the first chance to see Melo and Lillard together, and I’m predicting a win.” — Gaskin"
"“The Cavs only have 4 wins and are a bottom five team in the Eastern conference. Yet, their shooting is undeniable and at home I believe they will still find a way to take down the Blazers.” — Zahnd"
"“The Blazers will get a much needed win as they roll over this Cavs team on the road. Lillard and CJs shooting will overpower the Cavs down the stretch.” — Cozens"
"“Having Dame back we should be able to beat the lowly Cavaliers. If we have trouble this game, it’ll be deeply disturbing.” — Kahn"
Catch the game tonight as Portland looks to pile it on a cellar dweller team and hopefully get their swagger back.