The Portland Trail Blazers return much of the same team as last season, a year in which the Blazers won 49 games and earned the #3 seed in the loaded Western Conference. Portland will look to build off their dynamic backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Center Jusuf Nurkic will also return after signing a 4 year, $48 million contract in the summer.
Lillard and McCollum bring a contagious energy to Moda Center each night. The offense runs almost entirely through their guards, with forwards Mo Harkless, Evan Turner, and Al Farouq-Aminu serving as essential role players. Lillard has improved each year of his career, which suggests a run at the MVP shouldn’t be out of the question in 2018-19. Last season he averaged 27 points and just under 7 assists, while McCollum dropped 21 each night.
In the frontcourt Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins plan to share time at center. Nurkic has been a huge weapon for the Blazers on offense, developing great chemistry with Lillard on the pick and roll. His scoring ability around the rim helps diversify the Blazers offensive attack when Lillard and McCollum’s shots aren’t falling. Zach Collins will look to take a step forward after his rookie season last year.
The Western Conference will be even tougher in 2018-19, and the Blazers expect to be right in the thick of the playoff race once again. Last year’s first round playoff series against the Pelicans did not go as expected, which will only motivate Portland to get back to the playoffs and make a deep run. Led by head coach Terry Stotts, the Blazers have high expectations in 2018-19.
The Blazers have one of the best home court advantages in the NBA, especially when premier opponents come to town. A Portland Trail Blazers’ luxury box can hold up to 22 people. Guests will receive the finest amenities including VIP parking, HDTVs, upscale furnishing, comfortable seating and premium in-suite catering options. Whether you are entertaining for business or for pleasure, a Trail Blazers suite provides the perfect setting for any occasion.