Blazer's Edge
The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers
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Discuss Portland Trail Blazers vs Sacramento Kings Here!
The Blazer's Edge opens a live game‑day thread for the Portland Trail Blazers' second preseason outing, a road showdown against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. PT. Portland (1‑0) faces a Kings squad (0‑1) at Golden 1 Center, with Shaedon Sharpe, Branden Carlson and Chris Youngblood listed out, while Sacramento is missing Dylan Cardwell, Maxime Reynaud and Ben Simmons (Malik Monk is probable). Fans can watch via Rip City Television, stream on BlazerVision or League Pass, and join the discussion on the SBNation app.
Blazers Broadcaster Demers Contract may be Better than Advertised
Portland Trail Blazers announcer Travis Demers, who replaced Kevin Calabro after a botched hire of Braiden Bell, is reportedly on a full‑season contract rather than the widely reported game‑by‑game deal. According to media veteran Dwight Jaynes, Demers’ agreement includes a respectable salary paid directly by the team, not the radio outlet. This clarification challenges earlier reports and suggests Demers has more job security than believed.
What a Start to the 2026-27 Season for the Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers launch the 2026-27 season with a dominant 123-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns, highlighted by Damian Lillard’s triumphant return and strong showings from Ja Morant, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Robert Williams III, and rookie coach Micah Nori’s first win. The latest "We Like the Blazers" podcast breaks down the new offensive look, discusses whether Henderson should have earned an early contract extension, and recounts a funny early‑quarter moment when Jrue Holiday missed a three that the crowd expected Lillard to take.
Blazers Co-Owner Says Staying in Portland is the Unequivocal Goal
Co‑owner Sheel Tyle tells KATU that keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland is “unequivocal.” Amid a stalled arena‑renovation deal that has sparked talk of a move, Tyle says the ownership group is meeting city officials and business leaders to seal an agreement before state funding expires in two months. While minority‑stake holder Tyle has no final say—Tom Dundon holds majority control—he stresses that the team’s identity is tied to Portland and that winning on the court remains the top priority.
Trail Blazers at Kings Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers head to Sacramento on Friday, Oct. 23 for a 7 p.m. PT showdown with the Kings after a 124‑83 season‑opening rout of the Suns, highlighted by Damian Lillard’s 25 points, Deni Avdija’s double‑double and Ja Morant’s 14 points with eight assists. Sacramento, 0‑1, suffered a 121‑96 loss to the Clippers despite Domantas Sabonis’s 14‑18‑8 line. Key injuries list Shaedon Sharpe (Portland) and Ben Simmons (Sacramento). Watch how Portland’s stout perimeter defense matches up against Zach LaVine and whether the Kings can improve a defense that’s been called the league’s worst.
Former Lakers Wing Dalton Knecht Finds a New Home
Former Lakers forward Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft, departs Los Angeles after two seasons and signs a two‑way deal with the New York Knicks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Knecht posted 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes per game over 54 appearances last season, shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.2% from three, a dip from his rookie year. The Knicks hope the move revitalizes his career, while fans wonder if he'll find a lasting role beyond New York.
Blazers Coach Micah Nori Has Early-Season Rotation Set
The Portland Trail Blazers opened the season with a win over the Phoenix Suns, and head coach Micah Nori has already locked in a 10‑man rotation. The confirmed starters are Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan, while the bench includes Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, Williams, defensive specialist Sidy Cissoko and a flexible slot for Vit Krejčí, Micah Potter or Branden Carlson. Lillard praises Nori’s clear communication, and Holiday says the deeper rotation will keep the team’s energy high. Nori’s early‑season plan aims to leverage the Blazers’ depth and maintain fresh, aggressive play.
Updated: Predict Your NEW Win Total for the Blazers in 2026-27
After a stunning 123-84 season‑opener win over the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers have sparked fresh debate about their win total for 2026-27. Earlier predictions hovered in the mid‑40s, but the dominant performance urges fans to update their forecasts, including potential playoff seeding. The blog invites readers to submit new win projections and playoff outlooks in the comments.
How the “Four Factors” Stack up for the Trail Blazers and the NBA
The Blazer’s Edge Meta Report breaks down how the NBA’s “four factors” – shooting, rebounding, free‑throw opportunities, and turnovers – shape team success and where Portland fits. League‑wide eFG% climbs to .546 as three‑point attempts hit a historic peak of 37.6 per game last season. The Charlotte Hornets led with 45.5 3PA per 100 possessions and a 37.8% conversion rate, despite losing LaMelo Ball. In contrast, the Trail Blazers ranked third in volume (42.2 3PA per game) but posted the fourth‑worst three‑point percentage at 34.3%, highlighted by Deni Avdija’s drop to 31.8% after a back injury. The article predicts whether Portland can improve its outside shooting in 2026‑27.
Micah Nori’s First Head Coaching Win Exceeds His ‘Wildest Dreams’
Portland Trail Blazers rookie head coach Micah Nori celebrates his first NBA win as the team thrashes the Phoenix Suns 123-84 in the season opener on Oct. 21, 2026. Nori, who joked about a 20‑0 start, leads a new‑look roster featuring Damian Lillard’s 25 points, a strong debut from Ja Morant, and solid play by Deni Avdija. The Blazers open with a franchise‑record 21‑0 run, later holding a 52‑point lead and posting the biggest first‑quarter margin in a season‑opening game. Emotional postgame remarks highlight Nori’s three‑decade journey and the support of his family and teammates.
Trail Blazers Obliterate Suns in Historic Season Opener
The Portland Trail Blazers explode onto the 2026-27 season, crushing the Phoenix Suns 124-83 in a historic opener. The Blazers build a franchise‑record 43‑12 first‑quarter lead and dominate every facet: Lillard returns with 25 points (6‑3 from three), Ja Morant adds 14 points and a team‑high eight assists, and the team piles up 32 assists and 40 rebounds (16 offensive). Portland shoots 19‑47 from deep while holding Phoenix to just six triples. Six players reach double figures, showcasing relentless ball movement and stifling defense. The victory signals a revitalized Blazers squad ready to contend.
Blazers Open 2026-27 Season in Style vs. Suns
The Portland Trail Blazers launch the 2026‑27 season with a 124‑80 demolition of the Phoenix Suns, marking Damian Lillard’s highly anticipated return. Lillard drops 25 points in 24 minutes, shooting 6‑of‑10 from three and adding six assists, while rookie Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija each contribute 18. The Blazers dominate early, scoring the first 21 points and leading 43‑12 after the opening quarter, and out‑rebound the Suns 68‑44. Micah Nori celebrates his first win as head coach, and the team’s ball movement yields 32 assists, a stark upgrade from last season. Next up: a road game against Sacramento on Friday.
Discuss Portland Trail Blazers Season Opener vs. Suns Here!
The Portland Trail Blazers open the 2026‑27 season Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns at the Moda Center, with a returning Damian Lillard and a refreshed Ja Morant leading the squad. Injuries aside, Deni Avdija (R ankle) and Micah Potter are cleared to play, while Branden Carlson, Shaedon Sharpe and Chris Youngblood remain out. The game tips off at 7 p.m. PT on Oct. 21 and will be available on the Rip City Television Network, BlazerVision (OR/WA) or League Pass elsewhere. Fans are invited to join the live discussion thread on SBNation.
Announcing Blazer’s Edge Night for the 2026-27 Season!
The Portland Trail Blazers announce their 19th annual Blazer’s Edge Night, set for Wednesday, March 10, 2027, when they host Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. Nearly 3,000 tickets (2914) are reserved for underserved youth and their chaperones, with tickets priced $17‑$30 and no fees. Donors purchase tickets directly from the Blazers, which are then allocated to kids who would otherwise never attend an NBA game. The initiative, driven by local educators and community leaders, aims to bring the excitement of a live Blazers game to the next generation.
What To Expect from the New-Look Trail Blazers in 2026-27
The Portland Trail Blazers kick off the 2026-27 season against the Phoenix Suns under new head coach Micah Nori, featuring the much‑anticipated return of Damian Lillard, the addition of Ja Morant, and a breakout season for Deni Avdija. Nori’s scheme emphasizes rapid guard penetration—Morant’s magic, Scoot Henderson’s quick drives, and even Lillard attacking the lane—followed by quick passes to open shooters like Avdija and Toumani Camara. The offense runs an all‑man motion with frequent lob plays and aims to generate more dunks outside fast‑breaks. Defensively, Portland adopts smaller, versatile lineups, pulling bigs such as Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III to the perimeter. Success hinges on guard play, catch‑and‑shoot threes, and the new mobile defense.
Dundon, Blazers Reportedly Stalling Arena Talks Again
Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon halted a crucial arena‑lease meeting just before the team's home opener, reigniting fears of relocation. The dispute centers on a "first‑class" maintenance clause in the Moda Center lease, which could cost the city over $1 billion to settle, while NBA relocation fees could push total costs above $3 billion. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Senator Ron Wyden pressure Dundon to stay, citing a pending $365 million state funding bill and potential Senate scrutiny. Dundon seeks a ten‑year buyout option, citing Portland’s economy, as the Blazers slip to 28th in the latest NBA valuation rankings.
Blazers Open NBA Season Against the Suns Tonight
The Portland Trail Blazers kick off the 2026‑27 NBA season at home against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 21 at 7:00 pm PT. The marquee story is Damian Lillard’s return alongside newcomer Ja Morant, while Phoenix’s controversial acquisition of Miles Bridges draws criticism. Both teams sit at 0‑0; the Blazers list injuries to Brandon Carlson, Shaedon Sharpe and others, with Deni Avdija questionable. The Suns deal with Mark Williams out and Luke Kennard doubtful, and will rely on a strong three‑point offense (40.8 attempts per game last year). Analysts debate the trade value of Bridges versus Morant, setting up a compelling Western Conference opener.
Join us for the 2026-27 Blazers season on the SB Nation app
Blazer's Edge reminds fans that the new SB Nation app—launched two months ago—is now live across North America, with Europe coming soon. The app consolidates articles, Feed posts, and community comments onto a single stream, featuring a real‑time game chat that speeds up replies and notifications. Since release, user activity has set three single‑day commenting records, and the platform promises fewer ads, seamless community navigation, and quicker posting. Available for iOS and Android, the app aims to make NBA game days more interactive for Portland Trail Blazers fans and the broader basketball community.
Avdija Questionable to Play in Regular-Season Opener
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija is listed as questionable for the season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PDT due to right ankle soreness, the team's latest NBA.com injury report shows. The issue was not noted during the preseason, and no further details were given. Additionally, reserve big Branden Carlson misses the game on concussion protocol after a head injury against Golden State, big man Micah Potter is questionable with an illness, and two‑way guard Chris Youngblood sits with left ankle soreness, leaving the Blazers’ front court thin for the opener.
Oregonians Taking Dim View of Tom Dundon, Trail Blazers
A recent Oregonian poll reveals Portland Trail Blazers fans are increasingly indifferent to keeping the team local and largely distrustful of owner Tom Dundon. Surveyed among 600 registered voters, 64% statewide consider the team’s presence unimportant, while only 55% of Portland residents share that view. Favorability toward Dundon is low—just 7% favorable overall and 5% in the city, versus 36% and 59% unfavorable respectively. The poll also shows mixed feelings about a proposed renovation of the Moda Center, highlighting a growing disconnect between the franchise and its community.
Blazers Fans Have Serious Confidence in Lillard, Morant Durability
A recent FanDuel poll of Portland Trail Blazers fans shows overwhelming confidence that the newly formed backcourt of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant will each play at least 50 games this season. Seventy‑seven percent of respondents answered “yes” to both players reaching the 50‑game mark, while only 5% doubted either will. The optimism comes despite both stars missing significant time due to injuries in recent years, underscoring strong fan belief in their durability for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Familiar Face Returns to Blazers Coverage
Former Trail Blazers broadcaster Casey Holdahl returns to the local scene after being laid off in Spring 2026. He will co‑host the new post‑game show “Rip City Wrap‑up” alongside media personalities Joe Simons and Guillermo Motta on KUNP/KATU News, providing fresh analysis after most Blazers games this season. The announcement marks a notable shift in Portland’s basketball coverage and promises a revamped look for fans tuning in.
Predicting the NBA’s Northwest Division in 2026-27
The blog forecasts the 2026‑27 Northwest Division standings, emphasizing travel fatigue and roster changes. Utah Jazz, led by rookie Darryn Peterson (2nd‑overall pick) and a 7‑foot frontcourt featuring Lauri Markanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., are projected to be competitive under Will Hardy. Minnesota Timberwolves, after a blockbuster trade for LaMelo Ball and additions like Jonathan Kuminga, aim to pair him with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert for a dynamic backcourt and stout defense. The article also notes the division’s heavy travel schedule and its impact on playoff tiebreakers.
Damian Lillard: ‘I’m Not an Old Man’
Damian Lillard, back after missing the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles, says he feels fresh and expects a reduced, off‑ball role to preserve his health for the playoffs. In three preseason games he averaged 17.3 points in 22.7 minutes, shooting 38% from three. At 36, Lillard stresses he isn’t “an old man” but is managing minutes wisely. Meanwhile, the Blazers focus on improving defensive rebounding, a weakness highlighted by a 10‑offensive‑rebound loss to Golden State, with coach Micah Nori emphasizing team effort and drill repetition.
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets Agree on Contract Extension
The Charlotte Hornets lock up rookie star Brandon Miller with a five‑year, $209 million extension, making him the franchise’s highest‑paid player. Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, rebounded from an injury‑marred sophomore year to average 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 44/38/89 shooting in 65 games during the 2025‑26 season. The deal cements his role as a centerpiece of Charlotte’s rebuild after trading LaMelo Ball, and pairs him with rookie‑of‑the‑year runner‑up Kon Knueppel as the Hornets eye a stronger playoff push.
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