Game Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers (7-12) host the Sacramento Kings (9-10) on Friday in a clash of teams looking to gain traction in the early season. While the Kings enter with a narrow win in their last outing, snapping a four-game skid, the Trail Blazers have struggled, dropping two straight and four of their last five.
Portland's offense has sputtered of late, averaging just 100.6 points over their last five games while shooting a pedestrian 39 percent from the field. Their defensive woes have compounded matters, surrendering 113.4 points per contest during this stretch. Scoring and shooting numbers that hover around their season averages have not translated to wins, as the Trail Blazers have struggled to secure rebounds (45.8 per game) and limit turnovers (16.6).
Sacramento, on the other hand, has found a shade more offensive consistency, averaging 112 points over their last 10 games while shooting 48.4 percent overall and 34.5 percent from three. Their 24 assists per game underscore their willingness to share the ball. However, the Kings have surrendered nearly as many points (114.0) as they've scored, highlighting a need for improved defensive intensity.
Both teams will look to gain an edge on the glass and limit turnovers, as those areas could prove pivotal in determining the outcome. With the Trail Blazers desperate to halt their slide and the Kings seeking to build momentum, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle.