The Portland Trail Blazers travel to the Nation’s Capital to face off with the Washington Wizards on Monday afternoon at Verizon Center.
The Blazers (18-24) have won just seven of 22 road games this season, but did notch a victory in their last contest away from home, toppling the Lakers by a 108-87 margin. However, they suffered a loss in their most recent outing, which unfolded in the friendly confines of Moda Center. Portland came up short against the Orlando Magic by a 115-109 margin on Friday night, with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combining for over half their point total. Lillard posted 34 points, eight boards and three assists, while McCollum totaled 26 points, three rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. The only other double-digit scorer came from the bench, as Evan Turner posted 15 points, four boards and two assists. Allen Crabbe, who drew the start at small forward, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Mason Plumlee combined for just 22 points on the first unit.
On the Blazers injury front, Maurice Harkless is questionable for Monday’s contest with a calf strain, while Ed Davis has the same designation due to a sprained ankle.
The Wizards (20-19) have emerged victorious in four of their last five games, and are riding an impressive 11-game home winning streak as well. Their latest victim at Verizon Center was the Philadelphia 76ers, which they bested by a 109-93 margin on Saturday night. With the Sixers opting to rest Joel Embiid, Marcin Gortat went off for a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double in just 23 minutes. John Wall led the way overall with 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Bradley Beal went for 20 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal. Markieff Morris generated a near double-double of his own with 14 points and nine rebounds, along with an assist. Otto Porter, Jr. supplied 10 points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal.
The Wizards will come in to Monday’s tilt with no injuries of note.
Monday’s game will mark the first of two meetings this season between the teams. They’ll reconvene in Portland on March 11th.
