Trail Blazers vs. Raptors: Portland Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling Despite Injury Setbacks
The Moda Center plays host tonight as the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Toronto Raptors for their lone visit of the season. And while the Blazers have been heating up lately, they’ll have to keep that fire burning without a few key pieces.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Portland will be without several key contributors tonight. Deni Avdija, Robert Williams III, and Duop Reath have all been ruled out.
Add that to a list that already includes Scoot Henderson, Damian Lillard, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, and Blake Wesley, and it’s clear the Blazers are working with a shortened deck. That’s a lot of rotation minutes missing, especially in the frontcourt.
Toronto isn’t coming in at full strength either. The Raptors will be without Jakob Poeltl, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Ja’Kobe Walter. Poeltl’s absence in particular could open up opportunities in the paint for Portland-if they can find the right matchups.
The Matchup: Barnes Leads the Charge
Scottie Barnes has taken a major leap this season, evolving into one of the Raptors’ most versatile weapons. His ability to initiate offense, defend multiple positions, and make plays in transition makes him a matchup problem for just about anyone. Portland will need to throw a variety of looks at him-zone, length, maybe some traps-to try and disrupt his rhythm.
Without Avdija and Thybulle, two of Portland’s better perimeter defenders, the task becomes even tougher. Expect the Blazers to lean heavily on Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe to help contain Barnes and keep Toronto’s wings from getting too comfortable.
Portland’s Recent Surge
Despite the injuries, the Blazers have found a groove lately. Their ball movement has improved, and they’ve shown a willingness to grind out tough possessions on both ends.
While they’re still figuring out how to generate consistent offense without Lillard and Henderson, the team’s role players have stepped up. The energy has been there, and the Moda crowd has responded in kind.
Tonight, look for Portland to push the tempo early and try to catch Toronto off guard. With fewer bodies available, getting easy buckets in transition could be key. If the Blazers can keep turnovers low and shoot with confidence from deep, they’ve got a real shot to extend their recent momentum.
Game Info
- Matchup: Toronto Raptors (27-19) at Portland Trail Blazers (23-22)
- Date & Time: Friday, Jan.
23 - 7:00 PM Pacific
- TV: Rip City Television Network (check local listings)
- Streaming: BlazerVision in Oregon and Washington; NBA League Pass elsewhere
- Radio: Trail Blazers Audio Network
What to Watch For
- Can the Blazers contain Scottie Barnes without their top defenders?
- Will Portland’s frontcourt depth hold up without Reath and Williams III?
- Who steps up in the absence of so many starters?
This game might not have the star power of years past, but it’s a gut-check moment for a Blazers team that’s quietly building confidence. If they can keep the energy high and execute the little things, they just might send the Raptors home empty-handed.