Rip City Project
Fansided

Trail Blazers look to make playoff push starting against Pelicans

By Austin Carroll

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 23: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter during their game at Moda Center on December 23, 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)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 23: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans handles the ball against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter during their game at Moda Center on December 23, 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) /
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The clock is ticking on the Portland Trail Blazers’ playoff hopes, with the road to the tournament starting here. But can they manage without their star?

As you might recall, it hasn’t been all that long since these two squads went to war. Just nine days ago, the Portland Trail Blazers suffered a crippling 117-138 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans, who are also putting together a compelling case for the postseason.

To make matters worse, Damian Lillard suffered a groin injury in the blowout loss that has had him sidelined ever since. While these injuries typical only last the span of a few weeks, it’s been difficult extracting a clear timetable for his return from the organization.

In an interview with Rip City Radio on Tuesday, head coach Terry Stotts delivered a concerning statement regarding the superstar’s health.

"With groins, you just don’t know. It could be a week, it could be a month. Who knows? — Terry Stotts"

The Trail Blazers now face the reality of having to endure a critical stretch of approximately three to five games without Lillard in action. Others will have to soon step up in order to keep Portland in the playoff chase.

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

Follow the Action

  • Date: Friday, February 21, 2020
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. PST
  • Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
  • Watch: ESPN, NBC Sports Northwest, Hulu Live
  • Listen: Rip City Radio 620

Game Odds

Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans

3 adjustments Portland needs to make to end the year strong. dark. Next

Check back in after the action’s concluded for post-game analysis and more of your latest Rip City news.