The Portland Trail Blazers moved to three games behind 10th-place Sacramento Wednesday night when the Kings lost 116-111 at the Washington Wizards.
This was an unexpected loss for the Kings, given that Washington (17-59) had lost eight out of nine entering Wednesday.
With just six games remaining, the Blazers need a minor miracle to reel in the Kings. Doing so starts with winning Thursday at Toronto.
The problem is that the Kings next play Friday at Charlotte (19-57) when the Blazers play the second of a back-to-back at the Chicago Bulls (34-42), who have won five out of seven.
However, the rest of the Kings’ schedule is tough. They play four playoff-bound teams (Cleveland, Detroit, Denver and LA Clippers) before closing at home against the Phoenix Suns (35-41), who trail Sacramento by one game.
“We’re going day by day and see how this goes,” Blazers forward Toumani Camara told reporters after Tuesday’s 127-113 win at Atlanta. “Stick together and try to get as many wins as possible. That’s where our mind is right now.”
Prediction: The Blazers could get back Anfernee Simons and appear to remain highly motivated despite the odds stacked against them. Expect them to pick up a win over the Raptors to get to within 2½ of the Kings.
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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT TORONTO RAPTORS
What: Trail Blazers (33-43) at Raptors (28-48), 4:30 p.m., Thursday.
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto.
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 -120 | TOR 142
Spread: POR -3 | Over/Under: 225.5
INJURIES
Blazers: Anfernee Simons (right arm contusion) is questionable. Jerami Grant (right knee tendinitis) is doubtful. Scoot Henderson (concussion protocol), Deandre Ayton (left calf strain), Robert Williams III (left knee sprain), Sidy Cissoko (left ankle sprain) and Bryce McGowens (right rib fracture) are out.
Raptors: Scottie Barnes (right hand MCP joint contusion) and Jared Rhoden (left hand MCP joint sprain) are questionable. Ulrich Chomche (right knee partial MCL Tear), Gradey Dick (right knee bone bruise), Immanuel Quickley (rest), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Jakob Poeltl (rest) are out.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play at 5 p.m. Friday at the Chicago Bulls (34-42).
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)