The Portland Trail Blazers are now 16-28 thanks to an active three-game winning streak, with wins over the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic. They've been playing some of their best basketball of the season as of late, most recently holding Orlando to just 79 points, which was the first time the Magic failed to score 80 points all season.
It's almost as if the Blazers would be better if they weren't in the stacked Western Conference -- who would have thought? The Blazers played 27 of their first 29 games this season against West teams, and their schedule has finally started to lighten up (before it gets difficult again).
Portland looks to extend its winning streak against another Eastern Conference team in the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, January 24.
Portland Trail Blazers injury report
Here is Portland's injury report:
- Deandre Ayton: OUT (L Knee Sprain)
- Matisse Thybulle: OUT (R Ankle Sprain)
- Robert Williams III: OUT (R Hand Soreness)
- Kris Murray: AVAILABLE (Chest Contusion)
- Toumani Camara: AVAILABLE (Illness)
- Donovan Clingan: AVAILABLE (L Ankle Sprain)
- Anfernee Simons: AVAILABLE (Low Back Soreness)
Update: The Blazers will start Anfernee Simons, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, and Donovan Clingan.
Robert Williams III played great in Deandre Ayton's absence in the Blazers' win over the Magic, recording 8 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 1 incredible dunk:
ARE YOU KIDDING ME, ROB?!?!!? pic.twitter.com/oKqaCBRa9E
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 24, 2025
Portland will be without Williams this time around. However, one promising development is Donovan Clingan being upgraded to probable. Clingan last played on Jan. 14 and should get the starting center spot, assuming he's good to go.
Charlotte Hornets injury report
Charlotte also has seven players pop up on their injury report, including their two most important players, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Miller is unfortunately out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn wrist ligament.
Meanwhile, Ball is listed as questionable heading into the matchup due to a right wrist sprain. His status could determine the outcome of this game as the 23-year-old guard is having the best season of his young career, averaging 29.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.
Update: The Hornets have announced that LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Seth Curry will also be out. Charlotte will start Vasilije Micic, Nick Smith Jr., Josh Green, Cody Martin, and Mark Williams.
Here is Charlotte's injury report:
- LaMelo Ball: OUT (R Wrist Sprain)
- Miles Bridges: OUT (Low Back Spasms)
- Cody Martin: AVAILABLE (L Groin Tightness)
- Seth Curry: OUT (R Ankle Sprain)
- Brandon Miller: OUT (R Wrist)
- Tre Mann: OUT (Disc Irritation)
- Grant Williams: OUT (R ACL)
Tip-off at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is scheduled for 4:00 PM PST.