Trail Blazers look to carry positive momentum into Minnesota

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 21: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during their game at Moda Center on December 21, 2019 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 21: Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during their game at Moda Center on December 21, 2019 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

After Carmelo Anthony’s late-game heroics against the Raptors, the Trail Blazers could pick up a big win here against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Both sitting behind the currently eighth-seeded Spurs, neither the Portland Trail Blazers nor Minnesota Timberwolves wanted to be starting 2020 like this. Portland is still trying to shake off the effects of a five-game losing skid, meanwhile Minnesota has cobbled together a solid 4-3 stretch.

These two squads recently faced off on December 22, where the Trail Blazers escaped with a 113-106 victory. However, Karl-Anthony Towns was not available for that contest, and the All-NBA talent will likely come out firing against a Portland team with a decimated frontcourt rotation.

Robert Covington is a name that has floated many trade rumors due to his ability as a complementary 3-and-D player, and could be an interesting target for a team like the Trail Blazers. Tonight’s game should give Rip City much more insight into Covington and what needs the team itself needs to address heading into early February’s trade deadline.

Here’s how you can watch tonight’s game and what to expect as the action unfolds.

Follow the Action

  • Date: Thursday, January 9, 2020
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
  • Watch: NBC Sports Northwest, Fubo.tv
  • Listen: Rip City Radio 620

Game Odds

Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers (16-22)

  • PG: Damian Lillard
  • SG: CJ McCollum
  • SF: Kent Bazemore
  • PF: Carmelo Anthony
  • C: Hassan Whiteside
  • Injury report: Out – Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, Rodney Hood, Skal Labissiere

Minnesota Timberwolves (14-22)

  • PG: Shabazz Napier
  • SG: Jarrett Culver
  • SF: Andrew Wiggins
  • PF: Robert Covington
  • C: Karl-Anthony Towns (Gorgui Dieng if not medically cleared)
  • Injury report: Out – Jake Layman; Questionable – Towns

Check back in after the game’s conclusion for the most recent Trail Blazers’ news, updates and speculation.