The slumping Portland Trail Blazers host the rising Phoenix Suns in a Western Conference battle at 8 p.m. on NBC.<\/p>\n
Phoenix has won six of its past nine games against Portland, including the teams\u2019 most recent matchup in November which the Suns won 127-110.<\/p>\n
Though Phoenix is missing All-Star Devin Booker who has an injured ankle, the Suns continue to enjoy a dream season marked by dramatic leaps from Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams. Phoenix went 3-1 to finish out a five-game home stand this week, beating the Nets, Pistons and Cavs before getting blown out by the Clippers.<\/p>\n
Portland has lost five consecutive games as Deni Avdija recovers from a back injury. The Blazers\u2019 performance when he has been at less than full strength is proof that Avdija deserved to be named an All-Star reserve. When he is healthy, the team has a chance to beat most NBA teams. When he is hurting, it\u2019s a different story.<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns (30-20) at Portland Trail Blazers (23-27) Tues., Feb. 3 – 8pm Pacific<\/p>\n
How to watch via antenna or cable: NBC<\/a><\/p>\n How to listen: Trail Blazers Audio Network<\/a><\/p>\n SB Nation Affiliate: Bright Side of the Sun<\/a><\/p>\n Damian Lillard, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle out.<\/p>\n Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson Doubtful.<\/p>\n Suns injuries: Devin Booker, Jalen Green Out.<\/p>\n Kit: Portland will take the floor in its carpet City Edition<\/a> jerseys. Phoenix will wear its white Association Edition unis.<\/p>\n Trail Blazers: L at WAS, L at NYK, L vs CLE<\/p>\n Suns: W vs BKN, W vs DET, W vs CLE, L vs LAC<\/p>\n Trail Blazers:<\/a> Points, Avdija (25.5 per game). Rebounds, Clingan (11.1). Assists, Avdija (6.7). Steals, Thybulle (2.5). Blocks, Williams (1.4). Trail Blazers:<\/a> Offensive rating: 112.5 (23rd place) Defensive rating: 115.2 (18th place) Coming Attractions: The Blazers continue a five game home stand, hosting the Memphis Grizzlies in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday. Jrue Holiday Glasses will be distributed to the first 5,000 fans through the gate Saturday.<\/p>\n Though Avdija was sidelined for the Blazers\u2019 Sunday night loss to the Cavaliers, he continued to impact the game. During many timeouts, TV cameras showed him in the ears of his teammates, talking them up and demonstrating the team\u2019s third highest paid player\u2019s<\/a> increased confidence as its leader. Let\u2019s hope he gets some rest<\/a> and comes back stronger than ever.<\/p>\n While many in the media have penciled in Avdija as the league\u2019s most improved player, Phoenix\u2019s Brooks is also putting together a breakout season worthy of consideration for the award. In addition to being a lockdown defender the former Oregon Duck and current Canadian National Team star has leveled up as a scoring threat, averaging a career-high 20.5 points per game. In spite of his performance, Brooks was passed over by NBA coaches who selected All-Star reserves. Instead, they named LeBron James to his 22nd All-Star game.<\/p>\n To the delight of the Internet, Brooks continues to be a world class provocateur<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Second Coming of St. Steve:<\/p>\n Suns guard, Gillespie gave the Blazers fits in their last meeting. He is putting together a beautiful season, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.4 deflections and 1.7 steals per game, leading some to compare him<\/a> with Suns legend and senior advisor, Steve Nash.<\/p>\n That emergence of Avdija as a leader has perhaps been the greatest key to the decent season interim coach Tiago Splitter is coaxing from his oft injured team. Avdija told Yahoo! Sports\u2019 Yaron Weitzman the team\u2019s coaching staff has given him the freedom to be himself<\/a>:<\/p>\n The confidence the Blazers have shown in Avdija has created a snowball effect. The more they believe in him, the more he believes in himself, the better he plays, which makes the Blazers believe in him even more, and round and round it goes.<\/p>\n \u201cMy opinion matters now,\u201d Avdija said.<\/p>\n Portland has the league\u2019s worst three point shooting percentage. But, the Blazers swapped Duop Reath and a pair of second round picks with the Hawks for V\u00edt Krej\u010d\u00ed, a slim, defensively challenged 40.5 percent career 3-point shooter. Brandon Mullen compiled Internet reaction to the trade<\/a>. With any luck, he could make his Portland debut vs. the Suns.<\/p>\n Scoot Henderson turns the ripe old age of 22 today, and is hoping to return to play soon. After missing every game this season with an injured hamstring, and with trade rumors swirling around the team, the third year guard told Joe Freeman of the Oregonian his return is imminent.<\/a> As of press time, Henderson was listed as doubtful to play.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel amazing,\u201d Henderson said. \u201cI\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n The Man Needs a Wrestling Mask:<\/p>\n The Phoenix Suns distributed Dillon \u201cThe Villain\u201d T-shirts to the first 5,000 fans in the doors for a January 29 game against the Detroit Pistons.<\/p>\n
Suns<\/a>: Points, Booker (25.4 per game). Rebounds, Williams (8). Assists, Booker (6.2). Steals, Allen (1.5). Blocks, Williams (1).<\/p>\n
Suns<\/a> Offensive rating: 114.3 (15th place) Defensive rating: 112 (7th place)<\/p>\n