After dismissing the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday 127-113, Portland declawed the Toronto Raptors last night 112-103. A third quarter surge that saw the Blazers outscore the Raptors 36-26 gave Portland the edge, and ultimately the victory going into the final period. Deni Avdija was blistering hot once again, racking up 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. But it was Shaedon Sharpe who gained notoriety by scoring a career high 36 points. He added 7 rebounds and 5 assists to the bag which aided the Blazers in getting its second consecutive win.
At a Glance
Who: Portland Trail Blazers (34-43) at Chicago Bulls (34-42)
What: The Blazers try to steal a game in Chicago
When: Friday, April 4 at 5 pm Pacific
Where: United Center, Chicago, Il
Why it Matters: Portland can add a third straight victory to their record with a win tonight
How to Watch: Via antenna or cable, see your options on the Rip City Television Network for streaming; BlazerVision in Oregon and Washington and League Pass elsewhere
Trail Blazers Injuries: Anfernee Simons, Duop Reath, Toumani Camara (day-to-day); Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, Scoot Henderson, Bryce McGowens, Sidy Cissoko (out).
Wizards Injuries: Lonzo Ball, Jevon Carter, Julian Phillips, Dalen Terry (questionable); Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones (out).
What to Expect from the Blazers
Expect Portland to come out firing against Chicago as they try to land another unlikely road win. Deni Avdija has shown flashed of the star player Portland has sorely lacked most of the season, and if he can consistently put up the numbers that he has over the last ten-plus outings, the Blazers look far more menacing. Toumani Camara didn’t quite look himself against the Raptors with only 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. If he’s able to return to action after leaving yesterday’s game with an ankle injury, plan for Tou to come back and reassert himself in Chicago. Defense will be key, especially under the hoop, if Portland wants a third-straight W.
What to Expect from the Bulls
Oddly enough, the Bulls are also coming off a victory at the expense of the Toronto Raptors. Chicago won 137-118 without much fuss from Toronto. The Bulls found a way to get to the charity stripe more often than their opponent, converting 23 out of 27 attempts. In addition, they outrebounded the Raptors 49-35 and managed to score 70 points in the paint against Toronto’s measly 44.
Expect the Chicago to assert themselves down low against Portland tonight. Nikola Vucevic will try to manhandle the Blazers’ bigs, scoring at will and gobbling up rebounds. If the Bulls can dominate the paint tonight as they did against Toronto, they will give themselves a fighting chance to secure the victory at home.
Reader Questions
Before most games, we ask you all to make our previews better by asking us questions! Keep your eyes peeled for posts just like this to add your questions and (possibly) have them answered right here in these very previews!
From: WinningHoop:
…let’s say a miracle happens and we finish in the Play-In, how do you see our chances against our potential opponents there (Kings, Suns, Mavs, Memphis, Clippers) ?
Let’s not downplay the word you used, “Miracle,” because that is exactly what it would take for Portland to enter the Play-In. They’d have to win, win, and win some more, while those teams in front would have to lose, lose, and keep losing. But let’s say it happens. What then?
It would be fun, that is for sure! The Play-In would be the first big test of Portland’s mettle when it really matters. This young squad has never felt pressure like that. In my opinion, the Blazers might be able to steal one against the Mavericks or Clippers, but I don’t like the idea of Portland playing off against the Grizzlies, Suns, or Kings.
From: Nurkitch
Do you think [Chicago will] rest players hoping it helps catapult [the Blazers] into the playoffs so they can take the pick we owe them?
This is an interesting question. Portland does owe Chicago a first round draft pick that was dealt to them years ago. One stipulation placed on that pick is that if it falls anywhere in the lottery, the Blazers keep it and Chicago hopes for better luck next year. So far, it hasn’t communicated. Players don’t tank, management does. This Bulls roster will come out firing, hoping to secure a win. These guys aren’t thinking about draft picks, they are thinking about how to earn another win.
Thank you all for the questions, and for making our previews better!
