Last Updated on November 23, 2016 3:44 pm by Brad Burns
Lillard’s one-man band can’t rescue Portland
The Trail Blazers aren’t exactly flirting with irrelevance in the Western Conference. Needless to say, though, things must improve in a hurry for Terry Stotts’ crew.
Tonight, Portland hopes to push the East-leading Cavaliers. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives LeBron James & Co. odds of -1100 to take care of business at home. The Blazers, on the other hand, enter Quicken Loans Arena as +650 underdogs.
Yesterday, the Northwest Division stalwarts dropped a 107-103 decision at New York to fall to 8-8. As usual, Damian Lillard had a strong effort, scoring 22 points and dishing out six assists. Yet Rip City’s retooled bench once again failed to contribute much.
Cleveland (10-2) is returning to the court for the first time since Nov. 18. James and Kyrie Irving continue to fill it up on the offensive end, but coach Tyronn Lue’s probably most excited about his team’s recent defensive work. The Cavs are holding opponents to 101.6 points per game.
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Still, Lillard has caused the defending champions fits the past few years. If C.J. McCollum can alleviate some of the pressure on No. 0 by draining multiple treys, look for the visiting club to make matters interesting. We’d be surprised if this one were to turn ugly.
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