Opinion
3 min read

Can the Trail Blazers Blaze Past the Timberwolves at Moda Center?

As the Portland Trail Blazers prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center, fans are eager to see if their team can turn around a season that has been less than stellar so far. With a record of 7 wins and 21 losses, including a recent defeat against the Golden State Warriors on December 24th with a score of 106-126, it's clear that improvements are needed.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN -  APRIL 2:  Kevin Knox II #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 2, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Trail Blazers have shown some promising signs despite their struggles. In their game against the Warriors, they managed to steal the ball an impressive 13 times and provided 26 assists. However, these efforts were overshadowed by their defensive shortcomings; they allowed a staggering 126 points against them and had an efficiency game score of only 85.7.


On December 22nd against the Washington Wizards, even though they lost by just one point (117-118), there was no time during which POR led the game. This indicates a need for more aggressive play from tip-off if they want to secure victories in future matchups.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN -  APRIL 2: Jeenathan Williams #23 of the Portland Trail Blazers plays defense during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 2, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

In contrast, when facing off with Phoenix Suns on December 20th at home court in Moda Center, POR showed what they're capable of when things click into place. They won with a score of 109-104 and demonstrated better control over turnovers compared to previous games while also making half of their three-point attempts.


Looking ahead to their encounter with MIN, it's crucial for POR to capitalize on home-court advantage and harness some of that winning energy from their victory over PHX. The Timberwolves will not make it easy; however, as any opponent in this league is formidable and cannot be taken lightly.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN -  APRIL 2: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 2, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

The upcoming game is scheduled for February 16th at Moda Center in Portland – an opportunity for POR fans to witness whether or not their team can build upon past successes rather than dwell on failures. It's time for players like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum (if healthy) or whoever steps up from bench depth that night – because every player counts – to lead by example both offensively and defensively.


Fans looking forward to this matchup can tune into ROOT Sports NW+ channel number:687-1 or BSN channel number:668 depending on your location for live coverage starting at what would be late evening hours due to timezone differences - specifically at February 15th local time but technically February 16th according UTC timezone standards since tip-off is set precisely at midnight PST which translates into February 16th at exactly three o'clock in morning UTC time frame.

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