NBA: Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings Eye Playoff Push
Blazers Hope for Playoff Return After Damian Lillard's Injury
The Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to make a playoff push this season after a disappointing 2021-22 campaign. The Blazers finished 27-55 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
The Blazers' struggles last season were due in part to injuries to star guard Damian Lillard, who missed 41 games. Lillard is back healthy this season and is averaging 29.5 points per game, second in the NBA.
The Blazers also have a solid supporting cast around Lillard. Forward Jerami Grant is averaging 20.8 points per game, and center Jusuf Nurkic is averaging 11.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
If the Blazers can stay healthy, they have the potential to be a playoff contender this season. They are currently 20-19 and in seventh place in the Western Conference.
Kings Aim to End Playoff Drought
The Sacramento Kings are also hoping to make a playoff push this season. The Kings have not made the playoffs since 2006, the longest active playoff drought in the NBA.
The Kings have a young and talented roster led by De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Fox is averaging 24.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, while Sabonis is averaging 18.9 points and 12.4 rebounds per game.
The Kings also have a strong bench, led by Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk. Huerter is averaging 14.0 points per game, while Monk is averaging 13.2 points per game.
The Kings are currently 22-18 and in sixth place in the Western Conference. If they can continue to play well, they have a good chance of ending their playoff drought this season.
Blazers and Kings Schedule
The Blazers and Kings will face each other three times this season.
- January 18, 2023: Kings at Blazers
- March 12, 2023: Blazers at Kings
- April 9, 2023: Kings at Blazers
Conclusion
The Blazers and Kings are both hoping to make a playoff push this season. The Blazers have a veteran leader in Damian Lillard, while the Kings have a young and talented roster. Both teams have the potential to be playoff contenders, and their matchups this season could be key in determining who reaches the postseason.