The Portland Trail Blazers' failure to reach the postseason, all but assured at this point, can be traced back to a handful of games that got away.
One would certainly be the 114-113 overtime loss at home to the New York Knicks.
Deni Avdija put the Blazers ahead 113-111 after completing a three-point play with a few seconds remaining. Then Knicks forward Mikal Bridges snatched the win away with a three-point basket shot over the outstretched arm of center Donovan Clingan.
Portland will have a chance to get payback Sunday afternoon in New York. But doing so will be difficult.
Scoot Henderson (concussion) is out and Anfernee Simons (forearm) is questionable. Should he not play, the Blazers would likely start Dalano Banton at point guard.
He could get the job done, but depth at the position would be an issue.
The Blazers already will be challenged inside without Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
Prediction: Knicks. And it shouldn’t be close. The Blazers’ season will end in eight games, they don’t typically play well on the road and the Knicks are trying to make sure they hold on to third place in the Eastern Conference. Plus, they are flat out better.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT NEW YORK KNICKS
What: Trail Blazers (32-42) at Knicks (46-27), 3 p.m., Sunday.
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York.
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 +295 | NYK -375
Spread: POR +9 | Over/Under: 224
INJURIES
Blazers: Toumani Camara (left foot soreness) is questionable. Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Deandre Ayton (left calf strain), Robert Williams III (left knee sprain) and Bryce McGowens (right rib fracture) are out.
Knicks: Jalen Brunson (right ankle sprain), Ariel Hukporti (right knee meniscus surgery), Miles McBride (left groin contusion) and Cameron Payne (right ankle sprain) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Atlanta Hawks.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)