Preview

TORONTO (Interstat) — The Portland Trail Blazers, looking to rebound from a recent skid, face a tough road test against the surging Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena. Portland (8-11) has lost three of its last four games, including a 115-102 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 26. Forward Deni Avdija was a bright spot in the defeat, scoring 37 points with eight assists and six rebounds. The Trail Blazers’ recent results have been inconsistent, mixing a win over Milwaukee with double-digit losses to Oklahoma City and San Antonio. The Raptors (14-6), despite a 118-111 road loss to Charlotte in their last outing, have been one of the Eastern Conference’s stronger teams. They had won five straight prior to that defeat. Forward Scottie Barnes leads the charge, coming off a 30-point, 12-rebound performance against the Hornets. Immanuel Quickley is also a key facilitator, notching 10 assists in the same game. The matchup features a contrast in styles, with Portland’s offense running through Avdija against a disciplined Toronto defense that has held opponents under 100 points in two of its last five home games. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST. Portland continues a six-game road trip in Cleveland on Wednesday, while Toronto hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.