The Portland Trail Blazers return home from a grueling yet successful seven-game trip to host a team they want to become one day.
The Detroit Pistons' accumulation of young talent in recent years has paid off, with an improvement from 14-68 last season to 35-29 this season.
Detroit, which lost 115-110 Saturday night at Golden State, defeated the Blazers 118-115 at home on Jan. 6.
The Pistons have lost two consecutive games after winning 12 of 14 to reach sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Detroit last made the playoffs following the 2018-19 season.
All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick during the 2021 NBA draft, has developed into one of the best young players in the NBA. He scored 32 points with nine assists in the win over the Blazers. On Saturday, he scored 31 points with five assists at the Warriors but also committed nine turnovers.
Detroit ranks 15th in offensive rating (113.7) and 11th in defensive rating (112.0). However, over the Pistons’ last 15 games, they rank fifth in offense (119.2) and third in defense (109.4).
Portland has elevated its play over the past several weeks, improving to 24th in offensive rating (110.9) and 21st in defensive rating (114.5).
Prediction: The Blazers return home after seven games, and the Pistons played a tough game Saturday at the Warriors. Look for the Blazers to pick up their first win over a winning team since Feb. 6 (Sacramento).
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. DETROIT PISTONS
What: Trail Blazers (28-36) vs. Pistons (35-29), 6 p.m., Sunday.
Where: Moda Center.
Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).
TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).
How to Watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with the help of an HDTV antenna on your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can purchase one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it shipped quickly to your home. Here are some instructions on how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other display. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.
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ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline: POR +114 | DET -135
Spread: POR +2 | Over/Under: 231.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Deni Avdija (left quad contusion) and Jabari Walker (right hand soreness) are questionable. Robert Williams III (left knee strain), Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are out.
Pistons: Jaden Ivey (left fibula fracture) is out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play at 7 p.m. Monday at the Warriors (38-28).
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)