After dropping nine of their previous eleven games, the Portland Trail Blazers are in dire need of a win. In general, the Phoenix Suns are in dire need of a victory.
The Suns, who started the season 8-1, are now 13-11 and in 10th place in the Western Conference after losing 10 of their last 15 games.
Losing to a team as good as the Blazers is the last thing the Suns need. With Kevin Durant in the starting lineup, it is not likely to occur.
When Durant is playing, the Suns are 12-2; when he is not, they are 1-9. Durant is shooting 44.6% from three-point range and 53.1% from the field, averaging 26.3 points and 6.4 rebounds.
The Blazers, who have dropped their last five games, need to slow down the Suns’ 38.3% three-point shooting, which ranks sixth in the NBA.
Jusif Nurkic, a former center for the Blazers, is shooting 44.5% from the field and averaging 9.1 points and 9.8 rebounds a game. It is the lowest shooting percentage he has had since his second NBA season (41.7%).
Forecast: The Suns should prevail. Unless they collapse, the Blazers aren’t reliable enough to compete with the Suns. Phoenix also needs this victory.
PHOENIX SUNS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
What: Sunday at 5 p.m., Trail Blazers (8–17) vs. Suns (13–11).
Where: Phoenix’s Footprint Center.
Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) is the radio station.
Channel: KATU Charge Portland has an antenna of 2.2. Comcast: 1170 and 302. 688-1 is DirecTV. Dish: available on January 1.
Rip City TV Network is the way to watch. An HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland) will allow you to watch this game live for free even if you don’t have cable. These antennas cost about $20 and are very simple to install. You may get one at your neighborhood Fred Meyer or Bi-Mart, or you can buy one online from Amazon or Walmart and have it delivered right to your house. Here are some guidelines for configuring an HDTV antenna on your TV or other display. Use the channel finder here to learn more about the channel that Rip City TV Network is available on in your area.
DraftKings/Oregon Lottery (ODDS)
Moneyline: PHX -410 | POR +320
Spread: Over/Under: 226 | POR + 9.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Robert Williams III (reconditioning to return to competition) is dubious.Both Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) and Deandre Ayton (illness) are out.
Suns: Bradley Beal is doubtful due to swelling in his right knee.Collin Gillespie is sidelined due to a fractured right ankle.
UPCOMING
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, the Blazers take on the Denver Nuggets (13-10) at home.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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