NBA: Portland Trail Blazers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s
After back-to-back road losses, the Portland Trail Blazers will try to salvage a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The game will be the first of only two meetings between the two teams and will take place at the Rockets Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
The Portland Trail Blazers’ loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons, was a significant letdown. Damian Lillard, the All-Star point guard, has been shooting blanks this season. He scored 20 points on 20 attempts. CJ McCollum didn’t fare much better, scoring 20 points on 20 shots.
Against an increasingly dangerous Cleveland Cavaliers club, the Portland Trail Blazers should look for improved efficiency.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the most surprising teams in the NBA for the 2021-22 season. They have a 4-4 record, with victories over the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets among their victories. Cleveland had six players in double digits in their last away game against the explosive Hornets.
Jarrett Allen was crucial for the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially with his defense down the stretch. He led the squad to win with a game-high 24 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. To keep the Portland Trail Blazers’ losing skid alive, the Cavs will need more of the same from Allen.
Injury Update for the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers’ injury report does not include any names. Coach Chauncey Billups will have access to the entire roster.
Injury Update for the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be missing former All-Star big man Kevin Love and sophomore Isaac Okoro when they face the Portland Trail Blazers.
Due to his involvement in the NBA’s health and safety regulations, Love has been ruled out. Meanwhile, Okoro is dealing with a hamstring problem and will miss the game. Tacko Fall, a towering center, is on a G-League assignment. He will not play for the Cavaliers, along with RJ Nembhard Jr.
Big fellas making big plays đź‘Ź
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 2, 2021
Last night in #CavsHornets, this trio combined for…
60 PTS
34 REB
7 BLK
5 STL
5 AST pic.twitter.com/GsMgLSTaws
Portland Trail Blazers vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Predicted LineupsÂ
Portland Trail Blazers
Despite the Trail Blazers’ recent troubles, Chauncey Billups will undoubtedly start Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in the backcourt. Lillard will play point guard, while McCollum will play shooting guard.
Norman Powell will start at small forward after a strong performance against the 76ers. Due to Robert Covington’s poor performance in the Blazers’ last game, Larry Nance Jr. could start at power forward against his former team. Jusuf Nurkic, a Bosnian basketball player, will return to the Portland Trail Blazers to control the paint.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The backcourt of the Cleveland Cavaliers is similar to that of the Portland Trail Blazers but younger and more athletic. On Wednesday, coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to start Darius Garland at point guard and Collin Sexton at shooting guard.
While the Cavaliers’ backcourt is a tad small, they feature one of the league’s most powerful frontlines. At the center, Jarrett Allen’s rim running and defensive responsibilities will be continued.
Evan Mobley, a promising rookie, will play power forward in his usual spot. Lauri Markkanen, on the other hand, will play the other forward position.
Portland Trail Blazers
Point Guard – Damian Lillard | Shooting Guard – CJ McCollum | Small Forward – Norman Powell | Power Forward – Larry Nance Jr. | Center – Jusuf Nurkic
Cleveland Cavaliers
Point Guard – Darius Garland | Shooting Guard – Collin Sexton | Small Forward – Lauri Markkanen | Power Forward – Evan Mobley | Center – Jarrett Allen