Thu Jan 16 06:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Injury-Ridden Nets Face Favored Blazers

**PORTLAND, OR** – The Portland Trail Blazers, despite a less-than-stellar season, are favored to win their Tuesday night home game against the injury-depleted Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are without nine players, including former Blazer Trendon Watford, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain after averaging 8.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in his limited appearances this season.

Despite the Nets’ extensive injury list, which includes key players like Cam Thomas, the Blazers’ own injury concerns could impact the game. Deandre Ayton (calf soreness) and Dalano Banton (illness) are listed as available, but Jerami Grant (face contusion), Matisse Thybulle (ankle sprain), Deni Avdija (ankle sprain), and Robert Williams III (illness) are all out. The Nets do have Keon Johnson, another former Blazer, available; he’s averaged 14.5 points per game over his last 11 games.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups expressed his continued support for both Watford and Johnson, noting their progress. While the Blazers are five-point favorites, the unpredictable nature of the NBA was highlighted by a December loss to an undermanned Utah team. Nevertheless, the prediction leans toward a Blazers victory.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. Tuesday and will be broadcast on KATU and Rip City Radio. Viewers without cable can watch for free via an HDTV antenna on the local ABC affiliate.

Read More