Trail Blazers vs. Wizards: Young Bigs, Injury Questions, and a Must-Win Opportunity for Portland
The Portland Trail Blazers are back in action tonight, wrapping up a back-to-back set with a road game against the Washington Wizards. After falling to the Celtics last night, Portland is looking to avoid a third straight loss-and they’ll need to find some offensive rhythm to do it.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are in the midst of a brutal stretch. They've dropped nine straight and sit at the bottom of the league standings, well past the halfway point of the season. But even with that record, this isn’t a team the Blazers can afford to take lightly-especially considering their own recent struggles.
Game Info
Portland Trail Blazers (23-24) at Washington Wizards (10-34)
Date: Tuesday, Jan.
27
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Pacific
Watch: Rip City Television Network (cable/antenna), BlazerVision (Oregon/Washington), NBA League Pass (elsewhere)
Listen: Rip City Radio 620AM
Injury Report
Blazers:
- Out: Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley, Duop Reath, Kris Murray
- Questionable: Deni Avdija
Wizards:
- Out: Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, Cam Whitmore, Bilal Coulibaly, Tristan Vukcevic
- Questionable: Kris Middleton
Key Storylines
Will Deni Avdija Return?
Portland’s offense has sputtered in back-to-back losses, failing to crack the 100-point mark in either game. A big part of that has been the absence of Deni Avdija, who’s listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup.
Avdija brings a much-needed combination of playmaking, scoring, and defensive versatility. Without him, the Blazers have looked disjointed on offense and struggled to generate consistent looks.
If he’s able to suit up, it could be the spark this team needs to get back on track. But if he’s out again, Portland will have to find answers elsewhere-and fast-because even against a struggling Wizards squad, another flat offensive night could spell trouble.
Rookie Big Men Take Center Stage
Tonight also features a compelling battle between two of the top big men from the 2024 draft class: Washington’s Alex Sarr and Portland’s Donovan Clingan.
Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick, has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for the Wizards. He’s putting up 17.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, showcasing the kind of two-way potential that made him such a highly touted prospect.
But Clingan, taken seventh overall, has quietly carved out a strong rookie campaign of his own. He’s averaging a double-double with 11.2 points and 11.0 rebounds, along with 1.3 blocks per game, and has become a key anchor for Portland’s defense.
This matchup could go a long way in determining the outcome. If Clingan can neutralize Sarr’s inside presence and control the boards, it gives Portland a clear edge. But if Sarr gets going early and forces Clingan into foul trouble or off his spots, the Blazers could be in for a long night trying to contain him.
Big Picture for Both Teams
For Portland, this is one of those games you circle on the calendar as a must-win. Yes, it’s the second night of a back-to-back, and yes, injuries have piled up. But against a team with the league’s worst record, this is a chance to stop the skid and regain some momentum.
As for the Wizards, while wins have been hard to come by, there’s still plenty of intrigue around their young core. Alex Sarr has looked like a foundational piece, and when you add in names like Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson, there’s a sense that something is quietly building in D.C.
Still, they lack a clear-cut franchise centerpiece-a go-to creator who can carry the load in crunch time. That’s the next step in their rebuild, whether it comes through development or acquisition.
Final Thought
Tonight’s game might not have playoff implications, but it offers plenty to watch for. Can Portland rediscover its offensive rhythm and avoid a third straight loss?
Will Deni Avdija return and give the Blazers a much-needed boost? And how will the rookie big men stack up in a head-to-head clash that could be a preview of future frontcourt battles?
Tipoff’s at 4 p.m. Pacific. Let’s see which young squad takes a step forward.