Trail Blazers Look to Keep Momentum Rolling Against Red-Hot Sixers at Moda Center
The Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to close out their five-game homestand on a high note tonight as they welcome the surging Philadelphia 76ers to the Moda Center. After snapping a six-game skid with back-to-back wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland (25-28) is eyeing a third straight victory heading into the All-Star break.
But standing in their way is a 76ers squad that’s found its rhythm, winning six of its last seven and coming off a gritty 109-103 road win in Phoenix. With both teams battling through injuries and relying on emerging talent, tonight’s matchup has all the ingredients for a fast-paced, high-stakes showdown.
Let’s break down what to watch for when the ball goes up at 7:00 p.m. Pacific.
Clingan’s Big Test in the Paint (If Embiid Plays)
Donovan Clingan has been a force on the boards lately - 36 total rebounds across the two wins against Memphis, including a staggering 15 offensive boards. That kind of hustle has given the Blazers second-chance opportunities they’ve desperately needed.
But if Joel Embiid is cleared to go - he’s currently listed as questionable - Clingan’s night gets a whole lot tougher. Embiid is one of the league’s most versatile big men, capable of stretching the floor with pick-and-pop threes or backing defenders down in the post with old-school physicality. He’s tied for the league lead in post-ups per game and earns 8.6 free throw attempts per contest - fifth-most in the league.
Clingan has shown poise beyond his years when it comes to rim protection and avoiding foul trouble, but Embiid represents a different kind of challenge. If the reigning MVP suits up, Clingan’s ability to stay disciplined and keep Embiid from dominating the paint could be a swing factor.
Speed Kills: Maxey, Edgecombe, and the Blazers’ Backcourt Battle
Even if Embiid doesn’t play, this game won’t lack for fireworks - especially in the backcourt. Tyrese Maxey has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers and was recently named an All-Star starter. He’s averaging 28.8 points per game (sixth in the league) and brings breakneck speed and relentless energy to the floor.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe has been a revelation for Philadelphia. He’s already carved out a key role, averaging 15 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and a rookie-best 1.5 steals per game. In most years, those numbers would put him squarely in the Rookie of the Year conversation - though Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have set a blistering pace in that race.
Portland, meanwhile, is starting to get healthier in the backcourt. Blake Wesley has returned to action after missing 43 games with a foot injury, and Scoot Henderson - probable for tonight - is expected to play his second game of the season.
He looked sharp in his return Friday, posting 11 points and nine assists. If Scoot can build on that performance, the Blazers could match Philly’s speed and energy at the guard spots.
Can the Blazers Keep Up Offensively Without Sharpe and (Maybe) Avdija?
The 76ers have been scorching hot offensively during their recent run, leading the league in offensive rating over the past seven games and hitting nearly 40% of their threes. That’s elite-level efficiency, and it puts pressure on Portland to keep pace - even while missing key scorers.
Shaedon Sharpe (21.4 PPG) remains sidelined with calf soreness, and Deni Avdija (25.5 PPG) is questionable. That means the Blazers will need others to step up - and they’ve already shown they’re capable. Jerami Grant (29 points) and Jrue Holiday (21 points) powered the win over Memphis on Saturday, each showing flashes of their ability to take over a game.
If Avdija can’t go, Henderson could be asked to shoulder more of the offense. The question is whether he’s ready to lead after such a long layoff. And if he’s not, could someone unexpected - perhaps a bench player or role guy - rise to the occasion?
Bench Battle: A Key Advantage for Portland?
One area where the Blazers might hold a clear edge is in bench production. Over their last four games, Portland’s reserves have averaged 44.6 points per contest - a big reason they’ve been able to stay competitive despite injuries.
The Sixers, on the other hand, rank near the bottom of the league in bench scoring (30.4 PPG). Maxey plays a league-high 38.9 minutes per game, and when he sits, Philly’s offense tends to sputter. If the Blazers can take advantage of those stretches - and continue to get solid contributions from their second unit - it could tilt the game in their favor.
Additional Notes
- Former Blazer Jabari Walker won’t be suiting up for the Sixers tonight. He’s on a two-way deal and has hit his 50-game limit, meaning he’ll need a standard NBA contract to return to action for Philadelphia.
Tip-Off Details
- Matchup: Portland Trail Blazers (25-28) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (30-22)
- Time: 7:00 p.m. Pacific
- TV: Rip City Television Network (regional)
- Streaming: BlazerVision (OR/WA), NBA League Pass (elsewhere)
- Radio: Rip City Radio 620AM
Injury Report
- Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, Kris Murray (Out); Deni Avdija, Robert Williams III (Questionable); Scoot Henderson (Probable)
- 76ers: Paul George (Out); Joel Embiid (Questionable)
With the All-Star break looming, tonight’s game offers a chance for the Blazers to build some momentum and head into the second half of the season on a high note. But to do that, they’ll need to outpace one of the hottest teams in the league - and possibly outduel one of the NBA’s most dominant big men. Buckle up.