The Portland Trail Blazers are getting ready to face off against the Washington Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back. Portland lost their last game against the Boston Celtics last night, making it two straight losses while Deni Avdija has been sidelined with injury.<\/p>\n
On the other side, the Wizards are losers of nine straight and currently hold the NBA\u2019s worst record past the midway point of the season.<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers (23-24) at Washington Wizards (10-34) – Tues. Jan. 27th – 4:00pm Pacific<\/p>\n
How to stream: BlazerVision in Oregon and Washington; League Pass everywhere else<\/p>\n
How to listen: Rip City Radio 620AM<\/p>\n
Trail Blazers Injuries: Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley, Duop Reath, Kris Murray (Out); Deni Avdija (Questionable).<\/p>\n
Wizards Injuries: Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, Cam Whitmore, Bilal Coulibaly, Tristan Vukcevic (Out); Kris Middleton (Questionable).<\/p>\n
Deni\u2019s return? Without Avdija the Blazers have lost two straight contests and failed to eclipse 100 points in either game. If he returns it automatically gives the offense a major boost and helps return Portland to their normal levels of scoring. However, if he misses another game it could lead to a very disappointing loss to the NBA\u2019s worst team if the Blazers are unable to find their offensive rhythm yet again.<\/p>\n
2024 Big Man Battle. The Wizards are led by Alex Sarr, the no. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft class. The big man has been averaging 17.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game this season as the starting center for Washington. However, Portland has a 2024 center of their own in the matchup. Donovan Clingan, picked seventh in 2024, is averaging 11.2 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this season while anchoring the Blazers\u2019s defense. Both are slated to have a significant impact in the game on the boards and defensive side of the ball. If Clingan is able to mitigate Sarr\u2019s impact on offense, it will be a significant increase for Portland\u2019s chances to win. However, if Clingan is taken out of the game by Sarr, it puts a lot more of a workload on the Blazers\u2019s other players to make up for the difference.<\/p>\n
Owen Jury of Washington Wizards on SI talks about Washington\u2019s future and if they\u2019ll be able to eventually develop into contenders with what they have now on the roster.<\/p>\n