The Portland Trail Blazers will catch the New York Knicks at a good time.
The Knicks are nearing the end of their five-game West Coast Trip. They have lost three of four games. And All-Star guard Jalen Brunson is out with an ankle injury.
The Knicks rank fifth in the NBA in offensive rating (118.1) but aren’t nearly as good without Brunson, who averages 26.3 points and 7.4 assists per game.
However, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby combined for 83 points during Monday’s 133-104 win at the Sacramento Kings.
The Knicks' defense could be better without Brunson, who has a 118 defensive rating. The team’s is 113.8 (14th).
Prediction: The Knicks' three recent losses came at home against Golden State (37-28) and at the Los Angeles Lakers (40-23) and LA Clippers (35-29).
New York’s last loss to a team that currently has a losing record came on Jan. 6, when the Knicks lost 103-94 to Orlando.
The Blazers, borderline desperate for a win, will change that.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. NEW YORK KNICKS
What: Trail Blazers (28-38) vs. Knicks (41-23), 7 p.m., Wednesday.
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 +164 | NYK -198
Spread: POR +5 | Over/Under: 225.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Robert Williams III (left knee strain) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) are questionable. Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) is out.
Knicks: Jalen Brunson (right ankle sprain) and Ariel Hukporti (left knee meniscus) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play at 3 p.m. Sunday against the Toronto Raptors (22-43).
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)