Following years of losing, the Portland Trail Blazers continue their five-game road trip Monday night against the Detroit Pistons, a squad that is starting to show results this season.
In many respects, the Blazers are attempting to emulate the Pistons’ achievements. Lose. Acquire NBA lottery selections. Potential impact talents should be drafted. I wish you luck.
After finishing 41-41 in 2018–19, when the Pistons made it to the playoffs but were swept by Milwaukee in the opening round, Detroit (17–18) is on track to have its best season to date.
The following season, the Pistons finished 20–52, which sent them back into the NBA lottery and began a run of five seasons in which they never won more than 23 games. They went 17-65 in 2022–2023 and 14–68 the previous season, both of which ended with fewer than 20 victories.
The Pistons also selected No. 7 (Killian Hayes, 2020), No. 1 (2021), No. 5 (Jaden Ivey), No. 2023 (Ausar Thompson), and No. 2024 (Ron Holland). Hayes is no longer in the NBA since he didn’t work out.
In 2020, they also acquired the draft rights to center Isaiah Stewart from Portland through a trade, and in 2022, they added center Jalen Duren, who Charlotte selected at number 13.
To complete the roster, the Pistons then added Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and veteran Tobias Harris.
Three times already, the Blazers have chosen Shaedon Sharpe (2022), Scoot Henderson (2023), and Donovan Clingan (2024) from the lottery.
The Blazers have a good chance of winning the 2025 lottery, and they may do so again in 2026.
In a few years, Rip City should be able to draft and sign itself out of this course and succeed.
Detroit started the season 0–5 and ended up 9–15 on December 4. Since then, the Pistons have won six of their last seven games and eight of their last eleven.
The Pistons finished tenth in both offensive (115.6) and defensive (111.9) ratings during that time.
The 23-year-old Cunningham is enjoying his finest season to date. He makes 37.6% of his three-point shots and averages 24.1 points per game on 45% shooting.
Sharpe seems to be the Blazers’ best chance to become a star on par with Cunningham.
The Pistons’ predicament gives hope, but the Blazers still have a ways to go.
Prediction: Ivey is out, and the Blazers have played well defensively this trip. However, Portland is 4-14, and the Blazers have only won two straight games twice this season, and never away from home. The choice is Detroit.
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Detroit, guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives on Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33).(Photo by Paul Sancya/AP)
DETROIT PISTONS’ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
What: Monday at 4 p.m., Trail Blazers (12–22) vs. Pistons (17–18).
Where: Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.
Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM) is the radio station.
TV channel: KATU (Portland, antenna: 2.2). Xfinity: 1170 and 302. 688-1 is DirecTV.KUNP (antenna: 47.1). 16, 302, 1170 Xfinity. Spectrum: 184; DirecTV: 47.
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: DET -225 | POR +185
Over/Under: 225.5; Spread: POR +5.5.
INJURIES
Blazers: Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) and Jerami Grant (facial contusion) are not playing.
Pistons: Available is Cade Cunningham, who has left knee pain.Jaden Ivey is out due to a fractured left fibula.
UPCOMING
On Wednesday, July 29, the Blazers visit the New Orleans Pelicans at 5 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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