The Portland Trail Blazers start their six-game trip against an offensive powerhouse that could easily cause them a whole lot of problems.
The Atlanta Hawks rank 11th in offensive rating (114.3) and eighth in points per game (116.9). Their backcourt of Trae Young (27.1 ppg) and Dejounte Murray (20.8) form one of the best duos in the NBA. Plus they have length with the 6-foot-8 De’Andre Hunter, 6-9 John Collins and 6-10 Clint Capella.
The Blazers defeated Atlanta 129-125 on Jan. 30 with the defensive help provided by center Jusuf Nurkic and forward Josh Hart. Hart now plays for the New York Knicks and Nurkic remains out with a calf injury. The Blazers defensive rating since Nurkic went out is 124.
The Blazers will likely need to score north of 125 points to win this game which could be a challenge without Anfernee Simons, doubtful with an ankle injury.
However, the Hawks’ defense is mediocre with a rating of 114.5 (21st).
Atlanta (31-31) is eighth in the Eastern Conference standings and face a four-game trip with two at Miami (33-30) and two at Washington (30-32) following playing the Blazers.
Expect the Hawks to be highly motivated to leave Atlanta coming off of a victory.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT ATLANTA HAWKS
What: Trail Blazers (29-32) at Hawks (31-31), 4:30 p.m., Friday.
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta.
Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).
TV channel: Root Sports Plus (in Portland: Comcast 1253, DirecTV 687-1).
Watch the game live online: You can watch this game live for FREE with fuboTV (free trial). You can also get this game on DirecTV Stream’s “CHOICE” package (promotional offers), if you are out of fuboTV trials, or simply prefer that platform and their pricing plans. If you already have a cable or satellite provider that carries Root Sports and want to watch online, you can watch this game live on Root Sports Live.
ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)
Moneyline: POR +235 | ATL -280
Spread: POR +7 | Over/Under: 240
INJURIES
Blazers: Anfernee Simons (right ankle sprain) is doubtful. Jusuf Nurkic (left calf strain), Justise Winslow (left ankle sprain), Ibou Badji (left knee soreness), Ryan Arcidiacono (lower back pain) and John Butler Jr. (G League) are out.
Hawks: Trae Young (right groin soreness) is probable.
NEXT UP
The Blazers play at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Orlando Magic (26-37).
— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook). Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts
