The Portland Trail Blazers will look to put an end to their excruciating losing streak this Wednesday, but that is going to be easier said than done with Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns waiting for them in The Valley. Will the Blazers shock Phoenix? Or, will the Suns keep their undefeated run alive?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10 AM, Manila time

Away: Portland Trail Blazers (3-10/2-5 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

• Skylar Mays
• Shaedon Sharpe
• Toumani Camara
• Jerami Grant
• Deandre Ayton

Things are simply not looking good at the moment for the Blazers. They were not expected to contend much in the 2023-24 NBA season, but they have been especially bad over their last several games, as Portland is currently on a seven-game losing skid following a 134-91 annihilation at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Monday. 

A big reason for the Blazers’ struggles is the absence of Malcolm Brogdon, whose hamstring injury has forced him to miss the last five Portland games. His chances of returning to action this Wednesday don’t look good as well, so Skylar Mays can continue seeing plenty of minutes on the floor. Mays has averaged 12.1 points and 7.7 assists over the last seven games. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton has revenge game potential in him, as he’s about to see his former team for the first time since his trade to Portland.  As a team, the Blazers have covered the spread in four of seven road games so far this season.

Home: Phoenix Suns (7-6/2-4 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

• Devin Booker
• Eric Gordon
• Grayson Allen
• Kevin Durant
• Jusuf Nurkic

Kevin Durant and the Suns are starting to gain serious momentum. They have extended their win streak to three games following a thrilling 140-137 double-overtime win in Salt Lake City versus the Utah Jazz on Monday, thanks in large part to Durant, who exploded for 39 points along with 10 assists, two steals, and two blocks in 46 minutes. Devin Booker also fueled Phoenix with 26 points in 40 minutes. 

The Suns might still be a little tired even with a full day of rest when they hit the floor this Wednesday, but at least they’re not as banged up as the Blazers. Phoenix is missing Bradley Beal (back issue) but Durant and Booker are healthy and some of their role players are stepping up to cover the void temporarily left by Beal. Take for example Eric Gordon, who had 20 points versus the Jazz and is averaging 14.3 points per game while shooting 37.8 percent from deep this season. Speaking of which, Phoenix’s outside shooting has been stellar, as it’s second in the league with a 39.2 3FG%.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Blazers (+13.5) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (223.5) hits the Under.