USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers continue their Eastern Conference road trip as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers tonight. They face off at the Wells Fargo Center at 8 pm EST.
The 76ers are currently on a four-game winning streak and have lost just once in eight games. They beat the Hornets yesterday after another masterclass from Joel Embiid. He is leading the 76ers in scoring, averaging 28.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
The Trail Blazers‘ inconsistencies are the reason behind their 11-9 record. On their best day, they can the beat the Lakers, but they have also had surprising losses to the Spurs and the Bulls.
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Portland Trail Blazers expected lineup
The biggest concern for the Trail Blazers will be Damian Lillard’s injury. He is suffering from an abdominal strain and has been listed as questionable for the game. Derrick Jones Jr. is also questionable for the game because of his foot injury.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with his teammates after making the game winning three point basket at the buzzer against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Their lineup could have Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. as their guards, Rodney Hood and Robert Covington as their forwards, and Enes Kanter as their center. If Lillard is unable to recover in time, Anfernee Simons is likely to start instead.
Philadelphia 76ers expected lineup
The 76ers have a fully fit team except for Terrance Ferguson (COVID-19) and Mike Scott (knee). Ferguson could potentially return after being out of action since January 25, but Scott is unlikely to return before next week.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 27, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates with guard Ben Simmons (25) and center Joel Embiid (21) after scoring the game winning basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers will start with Ben Simmons and Seth Curry as their guards, Danny Green and Tobias Harris as their forwards, while Joel Embiid starts as their center.
Predictions
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This will the 13th game for the 76ers, with all five of their starters playing. They are 12-0 currently in these games, including a big win against the Lakers. They have been dominant this season and hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference currently. So they will be the favorites in this clash, and will be expected to cruise through.
Embiid against Kanter is a bad matchup and it won’t go well for the Blazers, since the Cameroonian is currently playing like an MVP. He will once again be predicted to lead them in scoring and take them to the win.
