Portland Trail Blazers at Orlando Magic: Game Preview, Prediction, Time, TV Channel

The Portland Trail Blazers have a chance to win three games in a row for just the second time this season when they play Thursday at the Orlando Magic.

The Magic have been hit with numerous injuries, leaving them vulnerable despite the point spread suggesting otherwise.

The Blazers also have several key players on their injury list, including Anfernee Simons (back), Toumani Camara (illness) and Deandre Ayton (knee).

The Magic are experiencing hard times. They have lost four games in a row and six of their last seven.

But they want the best player on the pitch. Forward Paolo Banchero is averaging 25.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Should he play, Franz Wagner will (doubtfully) be the second best player on the field. He is averaging 24.4 points and 5.7 assists per night.

Forecast: The Magic have recently lost games to Denver, Boston, Milwaukee (twice) and Minnesota. The Blazers offer the Magic a dip in competition level that should lead to an Orlando win.

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT ORLANDO MAGIC

What: Trail Blazers (15-28) at Magic (23-22), 4 p.m., Thursday.

Where: Kia Center, Orlando.

Series: First meeting. These two teams will meet again on January 30th in Portland.

Radio: Rip City Radio (KPOJ 620 AM).

TV channel: CAT (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. COUP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).

How to watch: Rip City TV Network. If you don’t have cable, you still can watch this game live for free using an HDTV antenna at your local ABC affiliate (Charge 2.2 in Portland). These antennas are very easy to install and cost around $20. You can buy one at your local Bi-Mart or Fred Meyer, or buy one online at Walmart or from Amazon and have it sent to your home quickly. Here are some instructions regarding how to set up an HDTV antenna on your television or other screen. You can find out more about which channel Rip City TV Network is on in your area by using the channel finder here.

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ODDS (Oregon Lottery/DraftKings)

Money line: POR +330 | ENT -425

Spread: POR +9 | Over/Under: 212

DAMAGE

Blazers: Anfernee Simons (pain in the lower back), Deandre Ayton (pain in the right knee), Toumani Camara (disease) and Chris Murray (chest contusion) are questionable. Donovan Clingan (right ankle sprain) and Matisse Thybulle (right ankle sprain) is out.

Magic: Cole Anthony (disease), Gary Harris (left hamstring strain), Jett Howard (left ankle sprain), Jonathan Isaac (disease) and Franz Wagner (left knee torn ACL) are questionable. Jalen suggests (strain of the lower back) and Moritz Wagner (left knee torn ACL) is out.

NEXT UP

The Blazers conclude their trip with a Friday at 16.00 at Charlotte Hornets (11-29).