The Portland Trail Blazershave lost six of their last seven games, with each defeat coming against winning teams.
After enduring five such losses in a row, the Blazers will host back-to-back games against two teams angling for NBA draft lottery ping-pong balls.
The Blazers host Toronto (24-32) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, followed by Washington (15-51) at 7 p.m. on Monday.
The Raptors have the seventh-worst record in the NBA. The Wizards have the second worst.
It’s not hyperbole to suggest that the Blazers must win both games to have a realistic chance of earning a play-in berth in the Western Conference. Even still, the odds are long.
The Blazers enter Sunday 4½ games behind 10th-place Dallas (33-35). The Mavericks have lost eight of their last 10 games and host Philadelphia (22-44) on Sunday.
Even if Dallas defeats the 76ers, the Blazers can get to within four games by defeating both the Raptors and the Wizards.
Phoenix (31-36) sits in 11th place, 2½ games behind Dallas and three ahead of Portland. The Suns play at the Los Angeles Lakers (40-25) on Sunday.
In theory, the Raptors shouldn’t present much of a problem for a motivated Blazers team. Toronto has won six of its last seven games. However, four came against Washington, Philadelphia and twice over Utah (15-52).
The Raptors will be without Gradey Dick (right knee bone bruise), Immanuel Quickley (rest) and Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain). RJ Barrett (illness) and Ochai Agbaji (left ankle sprain) are questionable.
Portland’s remaining schedule includes too many games against good teams to afford dropping home meetings with the Raptors and Wizards.
Prediction: Three days off following Wednesday’s overtime loss to the New York Knicks will pay off with consecutive wins, starting with the Raptors.
Although, it should be noted that Washington won 126-123 on Saturday at Denver (43-25).
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. TORONTO RAPTORS
What: Trail Blazers (28-39) vs. Raptors (24-43), 3 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 -265 | TOR +215
Spread: POR -6.5 | Over/Under: 231.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Anfernee Simons (right hand soreness) and Robert Williams III (left knee sprain) are questionable. Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Jabari Walker (concussion protocol) and Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) are out.
Raptors: Jamal Shead (right shoulder sprain) is probable. RJ Barrett (illness), Ochai Agbaji (left ankle sprain) and Jonathan Mogbo (nose fracture) are questionable. Ulrich Chomche (right knee partial MCL Tear), Gradey Dick (right knee bone bruise), Immanuel Quickley (rest), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Ja’Kobe Walter (right hip flexor strain) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers host the Washington Wizards (15-51 entering Saturday at Denver) at 7 p.m. Monday.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)