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Match details
Fixture: Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets
Date and time: Monday, 18 November 2019, 08:00 PM ET
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Last game results
Portland Trail Blazers (5-8): 121-116 win against the San Antonio Spurs (16th November, Saturday)
Houston Rockets (10-3): 125-105 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves (16th November, Saturday)
Portland Trail Blazers Preview
After losing six of their preceding seven games, the Portland Trail Blazers signed Carmelo Anthony on a non-guaranteed deal and he is expected to take the Power forward role in a team that is currently shorthanded at that spot in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins.
Even though a lot of people expected Anthony to make his debut in the game against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, that did not happen and the latest reports suggest that he might not return until Tuesday's game at New Orleans against the Pelicans.
The Trail Blazers got back to winning ways, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 121-116 and started the six-game road trip on a positive note.
Key Player - Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is the Trail Blazers' best player and even though the team has failed to live up to the expectations so far, Lillard has been on a tear, averaging over 30 points per game this season, even with the addition of Hassan Whiteside.
He has been the team's best scorer in all but three games so far and the elite scorer in him will be itching to go off against an offensive juggernaut like the Houston Rockets. However, Lillard did not have a great night shooting (4-19) in their recent win against the Spurs and it was CJ McCollum's monster night that took them home.
Blazers predicted lineup
Nassir Little, CJ McCollum, Rodney Hood, Hassan Whiteside, Damian Lillard
Houston Rockets Preview
After starting the season 3-3, the Houston Rockets have won seven straight games, including their Saturday night's blowout win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Rockets' defense has improved and it seems like they have the talent to win it all this year.
Westbrook did not play against the T-Wolves and will make his return to the starting lineup when they host the Blazers. A fresh Westbrook can really be too hot to handle for the Blazers and they need to be wary of him.
Key Player - James Harden
Can anyone in the league guard James Harden one-on-one? It looks unlikely and it is more evident from the fact that he is averaging close to 39 points per game. The Rockets are currently riding a seven-game win streak, thanks to Harden's offensive explosions.
Harden is probably the greatest scorer of this generation and it is incredible how effortlessly he gets to the basket and scores. If Harden continues to tally points like this, the Rockets will be unstoppable and one can only hope that he continues this run even in the playoffs as Harden is known for having cold nights in postseason.
Rockets predicted lineup
Clint Capela, Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker, James Harden, Russell Westbrook
Blazers vs Rockets match prediction
The Rockets are riding a seven-game win streak while the Blazers just got back to winning ways with their win against the Spurs. The Rockets are also 5-1 at home this season and are doing a fine job of protecting their home floor.
The shorthanded Blazers will find it tough to stop the Rockets who are steamrolling the opposition teams with their perfect offense and an improved defense. The Rockets are expected to extend their win streak to eight games.
Where to watch Blazers vs Rockets?
The game will be broadcast on NBA TV. You can also catch the local coverage of the same on AT&T SPORTSNET - SOUTHWEST and NBC Sports Northwest. You can additionally live stream the game via NBA League Pass.
