The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to face the Houston Rockets in a Western NBA conference clash at the Toyota Center Thursday.
The Portland Trail Blazers come into this game with an inconsistent form, at least. In their last five games, they have only won twice, with their latest game ending with a close loss to a rebuilt OKC Thunder.
Because of their form before those games, the Blazers were expected to be one of the best sides in the Western Conference stacked. However, after a serious injury to a number of key players, it will be difficult for the franchise to uphold that reputation. They are currently ranked 5th in the conference, with a record of 9-7.
On the other hand, after a sad start to the campaign and a controversial move saga involving James Harden, the Houston Rockets look like a resurgent team. Despite just being 11th in the West right now, their 3-game winning streak is going on and they are rising fast in the record.
The Rockets currently have an average record of 7-9. However, with the team in such elegant form, the players will be confident about their chances of getting one more win at the end of this class.
Match details
Game: Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets – NBA Quarter 2020-21
Date & time: Thursday, 28 January 2021 – 7:30 PM ET (Friday, 29 January 2021 – 6:00 AM IST)
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Preview of Portland Trail Blazers
This could be very difficult for the Portland Trail Blazers.
A big part of what has made the franchise so enduring this season is the presence of Robert Covington. Unfortunately, the player suffered a decision before the franchise’s game against the OKC Thunder and will continue his view on the sidelines.
In addition, the franchise will be without CJ McCollum (leg), Nurkic (wrist), and Rodney Hood (thigh) as well.
Since the team basically lacks quality at every end of the floor, the available players have to get out of the Houston Rockets on all possessions to win a fight to win this game.
Lead player – Damian Lillard
What was it like stepping on the court against Kobe for the first time? I spent weeks asking dozens of NBA players who are questioning and wow, the stories that came out of Steph, LeBron, KD, Melo, John Wall, Kyrie, James Harden, Kyle Lowry, Draymond , Paul George & so many others pic.twitter.com/iUMQVfhnDI
– Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) January 26, 2021
He has been one of the best players for the Houston Rockets this season and will undoubtedly play an important role for the franchise against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Introduction Introduction Houston Rockets
G. Iain Wall, G. Victor Olaipo, F. Eric Gordon, F. Christian Forest, C. DeMarcus Cousins
Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets Match Prediction
The odds are accumulated against the Portland Trail Blazers in this game. Just too many of their key players are currently injured. When one also considers that the Houston Rockets have been clinging together gracefully in recent games, the most likely outcome becomes clearer for all to see.
While it’s not impossible for the Portland Trail Blazers to steal this game, the Houston Rockets will enter the game as heavyweight options to win the win.
Where can you see Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets
For those in the US, this game will be broadcast live on TNT. For those outside the country, the game can be broadcast live on an NBA League Pass.
Also read: Which channel is OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns on tonight? Time, TV schedule & Live Stream l NBA Season 2020-21
Published January 28, 2021, 06:05 IST