Celtics, Blazers Lock Horns in Orlando
The Portland Trail Blazers will play the Boston Celtics on Sunday at Orlando.

The Trail Blazers (30-37) are coming off a massive win the last time out, edging the Memphis Grizzlies 140-135 after a thrilling overtime period and inching themselves closer to a potential playoff berth. Portland currently sits 2.5 games behind the Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, and a win here could give them a massive confidence boost. The Blazers also are on a two-game winning streak if including the regular-season games before the league was suspended back in March. By all accounts, this will be a huge game for the Blazers and could expect Damian Lillard to rise to the occasion. The star point guard notched 29 points with seven assists against the Grizzlies on Friday.

Trevor Ariza (personal), Rodney Hood (Achilles) and Caleb Swanigan (personal) are out for the season ahead of this one, while Jaylen Adams (back) is questionable with a back issue.

The Celtics (43-22) have already clinched a playoff spot, but they are battling with teams such as the Miami Heat, the Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers to finish as one of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. Boston debuted with a 119-112 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks in the restart opener, however, and have won just one of their last four games including the ones before the season got suspended back in March. Their top performer against Milwaukee was Marcus Smart, who delivered 23 points (7-11 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 6-8 FT), four rebounds, an assist and a steal in 32 minutes.

The Celtics are at full strength ahead of this contest.

This will be the second game of the season between these two franchises. The Celtics won the previous game by a 118-106 score.
Posted on: 8/1/2020 7:03 PM
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Portland
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3:30 PM
POR Lineup Not Yet Available
Injuries