The Portland Trail Blazerscertainly could use a victory Tuesday night over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will be without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.
The Blazers (32-40) fell to three games behind the Dallas Mavericks (35-37) and Phoenix Suns (35-37), who are tied for 10th in the Western Conference.
On Monday night, Dallas won 120-101 at the Brooklyn Nets and the Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 108-106.
The Blazers, now tied with San Antonio for 12th, are down to 10 games to make up three and that became more difficult with the return of Dallas forward Anthony Davis.
He missed 18 games with an adductor strain before playing against the Nets. While out, Kyrie Irving was lost for the season with a knee injury. The Mavericks lost 11 of 13 games before defeating Detroit 123-117 on Friday night and then following up with Monday’s win over the Nets.
Mitchell’s absence on Tuesday night will help the Blazers' cause. But didn’t play at home during Cleveland’s 133-129 overtime win over the Blazers and the Cavaliers are 6-0 this season without him.
Prediction: Cavaliers are the clear favorites. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley form one of the best inside duos in the NBA. They will be a problem for rookie center Donovan Clingan.
Clingan fouled out in 11 minutes at Cleveland on March 2.
No Mitchell means more shots for Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter and Max Strus. Ty Jerome came off the bench to score 25 points on the Blazers in the first meeting.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS VS. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
What: Trail Blazers (32-40) vs. Cavaliers (57-14), 7 p.m., Tuesday.
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 +205 | CLE -250
Spread: POR +6.5 | Over/Under: 229.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Dalano Banton (illness) is questionable. Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Deandre Ayton (left calf strain) and Robert Williams III (left knee sprain) are out.
Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell (left groin injury management) and Jaylon Taylor (left knee bone bruise) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers start a five-game trip Thursday at Sacramento.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)