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Trail Blazers must pick up win against the floundering Pistons

By Austin Carroll

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk #19 of the Detroit Pistons passes against Nassir Little #6 the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pistons defeated the Trail Blazers 93-73. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk #19 of the Detroit Pistons passes against Nassir Little #6 the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pistons defeated the Trail Blazers 93-73. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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With their backs against the wall, it’s time for the Trail Blazers to fight for their lives or risk missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

After stacking together a string of wins against contenders, the Portland Trail Blazers have now suffered three consecutive losses to the two teams they’re trying to beat out for the eighth overall seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.

If they wish to insert their name back into that conversation, the team will have to overcome star point guard Damian Lillard‘s temporary groin injury and learn to win without him. That road to contention starts here tonight at home against the Detroit Pistons.

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Failing to win tonight just might doom Portland to a disappointing appearance in the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery. However, Detroit has had to overcome significant injuries of their own after losing Blake Griffin and rising guard Luke Kennard. If there were ever a time to stop making excuses and pick up a big win in the absence of Lillard, now is that time.

Here’s how you can watch tonight’s game and what to expect as these two desperate teams battle it out.

Follow the Action

  • Date: Sunday, February 23, 2020
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. PST
  • Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
  • Watch: NBC Sports Northwest, Fubo.tv
  • Listen: Rip City Radio 620

Game Odds

Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers

Detroit Pistons

It's time for Anfernee Simons to shine. dark. Next

Check back in after the game for post-game analysis and your latest Portland Trail Blazers news!