Hornets head to Portland to take on the Blazers

What: Charlotte Hornets (19-21) at Portland Trail Blazers (25-17)

When: 10:00 p.m. EST

Where: Moda Center; Portland, OR

How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass

The Hornets have only won five road games this season and this will be a tough test against a really good team. Most of the next few games are going to be like this for James Borrego’s team. It would be huge if the Hornets could steal a game or two on this trip and that is going to take a great defensive effort. The play of the players not named Kemba will be the reason why the team wins or loses.

Malik Monk, Devonte’ Graham, and Bismack Biyombo among others have to produce this evening. Against a much tougher opponent, they’ll be needed more than ever. This Hornets team will be tested and getting a win against a team like this could be a season changer. We will see if the Hornets can torch the nets against the Blazers in Portland.

The Blazers are riding a hot streak right now. They’ve won five of their last six games, including all of the last three. This is the final game of a five game home stand for them. That can be taken one of two ways - One, the Trail Blazers will be extra motivated to go into a road heavy stretch of their schedule with some added momentum, or two, they’ll be lethargic as they look ahead to the aforementioned stretch of games and overlook the Hornets.

Regardless, the Hornets need to bring their best effort tonight. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are as potent a back court duo that exists in the league, though have been somewhat quiet since the calendars turned over to 2019. Jusuf Nurkic is a beast on the boards; Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez will have their hands full with him.

Plus we get the always fun Dell “Trying to be impartial while commentating my son’s game” Curry on the mic tonight.