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Trail Blazers face daunting challenge as the Boston Celtics come to town

By Austin Carroll

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics is defended by CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden on February 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics is defended by CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden on February 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers will have their hands full tonight as they must best the Boston Celtics to take one big step back into the playoff picture.

Winners in 12 of their last 15 games, the Boston Celtics have become one of the hottest teams in the NBA following victories over the Clippers, Lakers, 76ers, Heat, and Thunder. Next on their hit list? The Portland Trail Blazers.

Without Damian Lillard at the helm, Rip City will have to pull out all the stops to beat a team that’s witnessing their youth reach their full potential.

In the month of February, Jayson Tatum has gone full supernova, averaging 29.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting a ridiculous 46.8 percent clip from 3-point range. Similarly, Jaylen Brown is providing a much-needed 21.7 points per game this month in the absence of Kemba Walker.

This depleted Portland roster will be missing four players from their intended starting lineup as they battle Boston, so it’ll be on CJ McCollum and Carmelo Anthony to replicate the success they found against the Pistons while the supporting cast chips in when necessary.

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

Follow the Action

  • Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
  • Time: 7:00 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

  • PG: CJ McCollum
  • SG: Gary Trent Jr.
  • SF: Trevor Ariza
  • PF: Carmelo Anthony
  • C: Hassan Whiteside
  • Injury report: Out – Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, Rodney Hood

Boston Celtics

  • PG: Marcus Smart
  • SG: Jaylen Brown
  • SF: Gordon Hayward
  • PF: Jayson Tatum
  • C: Daniel Theis
  • Injury report: Out – Kemba Walker, Robert Williams; Questionable – Tacko Fall

Next. 3 players you must watch during March Madness. dark

Check back in at Rip City Project after the game’s conclusion for post-game analysis, insight, and your latest Trail Blazers news.