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Portland Trail Blazers: Playoff battle continues against the Orlando Magic

By Ryan Gaskin

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 20: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic dribbles with the ball against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter during their game at Moda Center on December 20, 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 20: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic dribbles with the ball against CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter during their game at Moda Center on December 20, 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 Portland Trail Blazers wrap up their road-trip in Orlando. Desperate for a win, they matchup with the seventh-seeded Magic.

As deflating as the Atlanta defeat was, the season must go on for the Portland Trail Blazers. As low as spirits were after getting blown-out by the Hawks, the playoff race is still alive, and the Blazers must capitalize tonight in Orlando.

The Magic currently sit in 7th position in the East, a way behind the top 6 teams, but looking comfortable in their bid to hold onto a playoff spot. Following his dunk contest dramatics, Aaron Gordon has come out of the All-Star break firing on all cylinders, averaging a near triple double, with 18.5 points, 9.7 boards, and an impressive 7.3 assists.

Much to the relief of Portland fans, this game is set to be the last without Damian Lillard. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Lillard is reportedly set to return Wednesday vs the Wizards, after missing 5 games with a groin injury.

With the Blazers now 3.5 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies, these sorts of games are approaching must-win territory. A victory tonight coupled with the return of Lillard, could be just the boost the Blazers need to reignite their playoff push.

Follow the Action

  • Date: Monday, March 2, 2020
  • Time: 4:00 p.m. PST
  • Where: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
  • Watch: NBC Sports Northwest
  • Listen: Rip City Radio 620

Game Odds

  • Spread: Orlando Magic (-6.5)
  • Total: 221
  • Moneyline: Orlando Magic (-280), Portland Trail Blazers (+220)

Gambling odds and information courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Monday at 1:00 p.m. PT.

dark. Next. Portland Trail Blazers way-too-early 2020 free agency wishlist

Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers (26-35)

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

Questionable- Anfernee Simons

Orlando Magic (27-33)

PG: Markelle Fultz
SG: Evan Fournier
SF: James Ennis III
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Vucevic
Injury report:

Out – Jonathan Isaac, Al-Farouq Aminu

Questionable- Aaron Gordon

Check back in at Rip City Project for more Blazers news, analysis and reports.