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Injury-Riddled Nets Face Blazers as Five-Point Underdogs

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Portland Trail Blazers Vs Brooklyn Nets Game

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers, rarely favored this season, enter Tuesday night’s home game as a five-point favorite against the injury-plagued Brooklyn Nets. The Nets, who have lost five straight games, will be without several key players, including forward Trendon Watford and guard Cam Thomas.

The Nets’ injury list includes nine players, with Watford sidelined due to a left hamstring strain and Thomas out with the same injury. Former Blazers guard Keon Johnson, however, is available for Brooklyn. Watford, who averaged 8.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13 games this season, has missed 13 consecutive games. Johnson, acquired in the 2023 trade that brought Deandre Ayton to Portland, has been a bright spot for the Nets, averaging 14.5 points in his last 11 games.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups expressed his support for both Watford and Johnson, saying, “I still talk to those guys. I still reach out to them and encourage them. They’re both doing well.”

The Blazers, who hold a 13-25 record, are also dealing with injuries. Deandre Ayton (left calf soreness) and Dalano Banton (illness) are available, but Deni Avdija (right ankle sprain), Robert Williams III (illness), Jerami Grant (face contusion), and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out. The Nets, meanwhile, will be without Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot injury recovery), Maxwell Lewis (left tibia fracture), De’Anthony Melton (left knee ACL tear), and Nic Claxton (right hamstring tightness).

Despite the Blazers’ recent struggles, including a surprising December loss to the Utah Jazz without Lauri Markkanen, they are favored to win Tuesday’s matchup. The Nets, averaging just 103 points per game in their last 10 outings, will rely on their available players to break their losing streak.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Moda Center and will be broadcast on KATU and the Rip City TV Network. Fans without cable can watch via local ABC affiliates using an over-the-air antenna.

Next up, the Blazers will host the LA Clippers (21-17) at 7 p.m. Thursday.