Blazers Schedule: Grant's audition with Lakers and 3 other must-watch dates

The NBA recently announced the highly anticipated 2024-25 season schedule. With the offseason simmering down, fans are now shifting their focus to seeing how their teams' new-look rosters fare in meaningful regular-season games. The Portland Trail Blazers may have another long season as they enter year two of their rebuilding phase, coming off a 21-61 season. There's reason for optimism after the strategic additions of Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija, but trades involving established players for other young assets could further improve Portland's long-term outlook.

Must-watch games on the Blazers' 2024-25 schedule

Note: All times are Pacific

Dec. 8: Jerami Grant's opportunity to impress the Lakers

6:30 p.m., Crypto.com Arena

The Lakers are already very familiar with the 30-year-old Jerami Grant. However, the matchup between the Lakers and Blazers will be much more significant this season as trade rumors circulate surrounding Los Angeles' interest in acquiring Grant as their third piece to go alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This is a tentative must-watch game, as a deal could even be made before the season.

Jan. 23: Blazers assess Magic's trade assets in potential Simons deal

4 p.m., Kia Center

There isn't as much buzz surrounding Anfernee Simons going to the Magic as with Grant to the Lakers. NBA insiders have confirmed the Lakers' interest in Grant, while Simons potentially landing in Orlando seems more speculative as an obvious fit given their need for a guard who can space the floor and ease Paolo Banchero's playmaking burden (not to mention Simons is from the Orlando area).

One issue in shipping Simons to the Magic is that, although they have multiple first-round picks to offer, many of their younger talent they'd be willing to give up, like Jett Howard, Anthony Black, and others, aren't that enticing. Their matchup will be a good chance for the Blazers to see if any of those young Magic players have developed and are worth including in a trade package.

Jan. 28: Lillard's return to Moda Center

7 p.m., Moda Center (on TNT)

The Damian Lillard reunion, with the dust settling, isn't as exciting as last year at Moda Center. But it's still one of the most anticipated games on the Blazers' schedule. There are multiple storylines to watch in this game; the two key ones are Lillard vs. his successor, Scoot Henderson, and how the Bucks team looks as a whole. If they have another disappointing season after a first-round playoff exit last year, Lillard may be more inclined to return to Portland.

Feb. 26: Avdija's chance to prove Wizards’ trade decision was a mistake

4 p.m., Capital One Arena

In October 2023, Deni Avdija signed a four-year, $55 million contract extension with the Wizards. Given his age (23) and contract extension, many assumed he would be a foundational part of Washington's rebuild. Even Avdija was caught off guard when the trade went down, joking that it was a "Woj bomb."

The Blazers' first game against the Wizards will be an excellent chance for Avdija to get his redemption against his former team. Players in this scenario often have a little extra motivation and tend to play above-average games by their standards, so look for Avdija to be aggressive in this must-watch matchup.