Upcoming Matchup: Trail Blazers vs. Knicks
The Portland Trail Blazers, currently positioned ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 23 wins and 25 losses, are set to clash with the New York Knicks, who stand second in the Eastern Conference at 29 wins and 18 losses. This showdown will take place in New York City on Friday at 7:30 p.m. EST, as the Knicks aim to extend their winning streak to five games.
Team Performance Overview
At home, the Knicks have shown dominance with an impressive 18-6 record this season, excelling particularly in rebounding where they lead the Eastern Conference by averaging 46.3 boards per game. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a standout for New York, contributing an average of 11.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his effectiveness on the boards.
On the flip side, the Trail Blazers have struggled on the road, holding a record of 10 wins against 14 losses. Defensively, Portland has allowed an average of 117.4 points per game, while their scoring has slightly lagged behind, as they have been outscored by approximately 1.9 points per game this season.
Offensive and Defensive Stats
The Knicks have also been efficient on the offensive end, posting a shooting percentage of 47.0% from the field, mirroring the percentage the Trail Blazers allow their opponents. Portland has notably averaged 14 made three-pointers per game, just shy of the 14.1 three-pointers they permit their rivals.
Previous Encounter
This meeting marks the second encounter between these teams this season. In their previous matchup on January 11, the Knicks emerged victorious with a score of 123-114.
Jalen Brunson was a key player for New York, scoring 26 points, while Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 25 points.
Individual Performances
Focusing on individual performances from the last 10 games, Towns has been impressive, averaging 20.2 points along with his 11.6 rebounds for the Knicks. OG Anunoby has also contributed significantly, scoring 17.8 points, adding 5.3 rebounds, and making 1.8 steals per game.
For the Blazers, Donovan Clingan has been productive, averaging 11.3 points and 11.2 rebounds. Shaedon Sharpe stands out with a robust average of 22.6 points and 5.8 rebounds over his last 10 games.
Recent Performances
Looking at recent performances, the Knicks have recorded a 5-5 record in their last 10 outings, averaging 109.4 points, 48.2 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.6 steals, and 4.3 blocks per game on a shooting clip of 45.8%. Their opponents have managed to average 103.8 points per game.
In comparison, the Trail Blazers have also matched a 5-5 record in their last 10 games with a slight edge in scoring, averaging 111.8 points. They also secured 47.6 rebounds, 21.9 assists, 9.2 steals, and 4.7 blocks, shooting at a rate of 44.6%. However, their opponents scored an average of 111.1 points.
Injury Updates
In terms of injuries, the Knicks are missing Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson due to ankle issues. The Trail Blazers’ roster is also strained, with several players such as Scoot Henderson being a game-time decision due to a hamstring issue, while Matisse Thybulle is ruled out with a knee injury. Notably, Damian Lillard is out for the season after suffering an Achilles injury.
