hornets vs trail blazers shifts into focus Tuesday night at Moda Center, with Portland’s Deni Avdija not listed on the injury report after recently returning from a six-game absence due to a lingering back injury.
What Happens When Hornets Vs Trail Blazers becomes a health check matchup?
Portland enters the game in relatively good health, highlighted by Avdija’s status ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with Charlotte. Avdija returned to the lineup during Portland’s 131-111 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at Moda Center, playing 25 minutes and posting 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three blocks while shooting 6-16 from the field. He had initially been listed as questionable for that game, making his absence from the latest injury report a meaningful development for Portland’s rotation.
As of publish time, Portland lists two players as out for Tuesday: Shaedon Sharpe (left calf strain/fibula injury) and Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon). Charlotte lists three players as out: Coby White (left calf strain), Tidjane Salaun (left calf strain) and Liam McNeeley (left ankle strain).
What If Portland’s recent home performance carries over?
Portland opened a three-game homestand with a 131-111 win over Indiana on Sunday night at Moda Center. The same game also featured Scoot Henderson snapping a two-week shooting slump, finishing with 28 points and six assists. The matchup with Charlotte follows quickly, offering Portland a chance to build on a lopsided win and continue its homestand rhythm.
One notable marker hanging over Portland’s recent run: the team has not won consecutive games since Feb. 9, when it defeated the Philadelphia 76ers at Moda for a third straight victory. Tuesday’s meeting with Charlotte presents an immediate opportunity to change that recent pattern.
Portland also has seen strong recent production from Jrue Holiday. Over the last five games, the veteran starting point guard is averaging 22. 6 points, 6. 0 assists and 4. 6 rebounds, while shooting 57% from the field, including 50% from three-point range, and making 21 threes during that stretch.
What Happens When Charlotte tries to reset after the last meeting?
Tuesday marks the second meeting in 11 days between the teams. The previous matchup took place Feb. 28 in Charlotte, where Charlotte cruised to a 109-93 win. In that game, Brandon Miller recorded 26 points and eight rebounds, while Coby White added 20 points off the bench. That result came in the middle of a six-game winning streak for Charlotte.
Since then, Charlotte has dropped its last two games, falling 128-120 to the Miami Heat and 111-99 to the Phoenix Suns. Tuesday’s contest is the second stop on a four-game trip for Charlotte, which finishes with visits to Sacramento and San Antonio. Charlotte is 18-16 on the road this season, adding context to how the team has traveled even as it looks to halt a short skid.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p. m. Pacific, which is 10 p. m. ET. Portland’s next game after Tuesday is Friday at 10 p. m. ET against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center.
