[8:00 PM] Trail Blazers @ Rockets

Who will WIN this matchup?

Portland Trail Blazers (7-5)

@ Houston Rockets (6-4)

 

• The line for this game is Houston by 4 points.

• Houston Rockets star James Harden doesn’t experience very many low-productive nights, and that could be bad news for the Portland Trail Blazers. Harden is coming off a season-low 13 points and will aim to regain his high-scoring form when the Rockets host the Trail Blazers on Thursday.

• Festus Ezeli is experiencing more issues with his left knee, and coach Terry Stotts said the injured center is seeking a second opinion. Ezeli was signed as a free agent in the offseason and underwent surgery in August but hasn’t recovered enough to play. He did participate in part of a practice in mid-October, but his knee swelled up afterward and there is a high amount of concern regarding its long-term stability.

• Shooting guard Eric Gordon was just 5-of-20 for 13 points on Wednesday in his second contest since being reinserted into the starting lineup. Gordon has reached the 20-point mark just twice this season, but coach Mike D’Antoni – who once coached him with USA Basketball – is optimistic Gordon can regain the form he displayed earlier in his career prior to a knee injury.

• The Trail Blazers have won four of the last six meetings.

• Houston G Patrick Beverley (knee) is slated to make his season debut.

• Portland PF Al-Farouq Aminu (calf) will sit out his fifth consecutive game and may miss the entire road trip.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Houston Rockets

Confidence: 5/10

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