Banged up Blazers
Heading into the season, a clash with the Portland Trail Blazers, a fellow beaten Conference Finalist from last year would have seemed like a notable test for the Bucks. When the two teams take to the court on Thursday night, the reality could be very different, though.
The Blazers have struggled mightily through their first 15 games of the 2019-20 campaign, undoubtedly surprising even those who may have been most pessimistic about their prospects this offseason.
In fact, with a record of 5-10, only the Golden State Warriors (3-12), Portland’s conquerors in the playoffs, have managed fewer wins among Western Conference teams to this point in the season.
The prospects of that record improving against the Bucks aren’t currently looking all that promising, even with Portland having a day’s advantage in terms of rest. In large part, that’s down to the injury problems that are adding further insult to injury for the Blazers.
With Damian Lillard ruled out, and Hassan Whiteside and Anfernee Simons potentially set to join him on the sidelines, CJ McCollum will be required to draw upon his performances against Milwaukee from last season, when he averaged 31 points while shooting 50 percent from deep.
Of course, the Trail Blazers may even be forced to ask the recently signed Carmelo Anthony to take on a greater share of the workload. That will undoubtedly make for interesting viewing, although that doesn’t necessarily mean it will help the Trail Blazers’ chances of coming away with a win.