Portland Trail Blazers vs Toronto Raptors

Sunday’s NBA action features the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Toronto Raptors at the Moda Center. Portland currently holds a 28-39 record, placing them 12th in the Western Conference, while Toronto sits 11th in the East with a weaker 24-43 standing.

The Trail Blazers are coming off a heartbreaking 114-113 loss to the New York Knicks last Wednesday, where Mikal Bridges sealed the game with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. That defeat marked their fifth consecutive loss, pushing them 11 games below the .500 mark. Despite their struggles, Portland will be looking to bounce back on their home court, where they have an even 18-18 record this season.

Toronto’s season has been a rollercoaster, with periods of strong performances followed by slumps. After winning eight of 10 games in January, they stumbled in February with eight losses in 10 outings. However, the Raptors seem to be regaining form, riding a three-game winning streak. Their latest victory came on Friday in a 126-118 home win over the Utah Jazz, marking their sixth win in the past seven games.

In terms of injuries, Raptors center Jakob Poeltl missed their matchup against Utah but may return for this contest. Meanwhile, Portland will be without big man Deandre Ayton, who remains sidelined with a calf strain.

The Portland Trail Blazers are struggling once again, entering this game in poor form and low spirits. The team is currently on a five-game losing streak, with most of those losses being one-sided. However, their most recent defeat was a close one, as they fell to the New York Knicks 113-114 in overtime while playing on the road. Sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference with a record of 28 wins and 39 losses, it appears unlikely they’ll secure a play-in spot this season.

A key focus for the Trail Blazers is the growth of Scoot Henderson. While he has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistency and lack of confidence remain concerns. More consistent performances from him would be a significant boost for the franchise.

In their last game against the Knicks, Henderson stepped up with 30 points. Deni Avdija also stood out, delivering an impressive 27 points and 15 rebounds, proving he could be a valuable part of the team’s rotation in the future. Shaedon Sharpe continued his solid play, contributing 21 points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors are finishing the season on a stronger note. They recently secured a 126-118 road victory over the Utah Jazz, marking their third consecutive win. Over their last seven games, their only loss came in a tight 117-118 battle against the Washington Wizards.

Currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 24-43 record, the Raptors still have a slim chance at a play-in spot. They trail the Chicago Bulls by just four wins, though the Bulls have played one fewer game.