The Portland Trail Blazers are set to close out their extended homestand tonight with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers-one last test before the NBA hits pause for the All-Star break. And while the Sixers arrive a little banged up, they’re still bringing plenty of firepower to the Moda Center.
The Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Portland gets a bit of a boost tonight with Deni Avdija, Robert Williams III, and Scoot Henderson all available to play. That’s no small thing-especially with several key names still sidelined.
Shaedon Sharpe, Damian Lillard, Matisse Thybulle, and Kris Murray remain out, so the depth chart continues to be tested. But getting Williams back in the frontcourt rotation and Henderson’s energy in the backcourt could help the Blazers keep pace against a tough Eastern Conference opponent.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, will be missing some serious star power. Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Quentin Grimes are all ruled out.
Embiid’s absence in particular looms large-his presence in the paint changes the entire dynamic of a game. But don’t sleep on the Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey has been nothing short of electric this season, and he’s more than capable of carrying the offensive load when needed.
The Stakes for Portland
At 25-28, the Blazers are looking to build a little momentum heading into the break. They’ve won two straight and are chasing their third consecutive victory tonight. That might not sound like much on paper, but in a season that’s been full of ups and downs, stringing together wins-especially against playoff-caliber teams-can be a real confidence booster.
This game also offers a chance for Portland’s younger core to show what they can do against a team that, even without Embiid, still plays with playoff intensity. Scoot Henderson’s return adds a layer of intrigue. He’s had flashes of brilliance this season, and with Lillard out, there’s room for him to take on a bigger role and push the pace.
Robert Williams III being back in uniform is another storyline to watch. His rim protection and rebounding could be key tonight, especially with the Sixers likely leaning on smaller lineups. If he’s able to shake off the rust quickly, he could make a real impact on both ends.
Tip-Off Details
- Matchup: Portland Trail Blazers (25-28) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (30-22)
- Date & Time: Monday, Feb. 9 - 7:00 PM Pacific
- TV: Rip City Television Network (check local listings)
- Streaming: BlazerVision (Oregon & Washington), NBA League Pass (nationwide)
- Radio: Rip City Radio 620 AM
What to Watch For
- Maxey vs. the Blazers’ Backcourt: With Embiid out, Maxey becomes the focal point. Portland’s guards will have their hands full trying to contain his speed and scoring ability. Expect a high-usage night for him-and possibly a big scoring total if the Blazers can’t slow him down early.
- Frontcourt Battle: With both teams missing big names, this could be a night where role players step up. Look for Portland to test different combinations with Williams back in the mix. The Sixers may go smaller and faster, so tempo could become a factor.
- Scoot’s Return: How Henderson looks coming back from injury will be worth tracking. Does he push the pace?
Can he create offense off the dribble? His decision-making and energy could be an X-factor if the game gets tight in the fourth.
Final Thought
This isn’t just another game on the schedule-it’s a measuring stick. The Blazers are trying to find their identity in a season full of transitions.
Beating a team like Philly-even without Embiid-would be a statement. And for the fans, it’s one last chance to see this group compete before the All-Star festivities take center stage.
Let’s see if Portland can ride the momentum into the break and give the home crowd something to cheer about.