Blazer Beef
The biggest thing wrong with the Blazers this week has been their health. In losing CJ McCollum, they lost their best outside shooting threat off the bench.
McCollum had the highest on-court net rating on the team and helps Portland’s spacing, especially for Kaman on the block.
Portland has still won, and their second unit has been solid. But injuries are keeping them from their best.
Blazer Bravo
Portland’s defense has been the one constant during the beginning of the season. Their defense helped them hang around against the Celtics who came into Sunday’s game with a Top 10 offense.
The Blazers are seventh in defensive efficiency (points given up per 100 possessions), according to NBA.com.
Portland’s starters are playing much improved defense, allowing fewer than 99 points per 100 possessions. They are taking care of business so far.
By The Numbers
8: Eight of Portland’s next 11 games are on the road.
4: Meyers Leonard has made four of his first seven three-point attempts.
7: With their win on Sunday in Boston, the Blazers have the longest active winning streak in the NBA at seven games.
The Week Ahead
Monday at Philadelphia: The Sixers haven’t just been winless, they’ve been terribly uncompetitive. Only three of their 13 losses have been by fewer than five points.
Wednesday at Charlotte: Portland wraps up the season series against the Hornets. The Blazers won Nov. 11 in Portland after trailing by 23 points.
Friday vs. Memphis: At 12-2, the Grizzlies have the best record in the NBA.
Sunday vs. Minnesota: 2014 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, the key return piece in the Kevin Love trade, set a career-high with 29 points on Saturday against Sacramento.
— Erik Gundersen
