Event of the Day: Portland Trail Blazers v San Antonio Spurs

Our event of the day is the NBA game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs at the Moda Center in Portland. Portland are fifth in the Western Conference with a 16-14 record, while San Antonio are two places above them, in third, with a 21-10 record. The Trail Blazers ended a three-games winning streak with a narrow 108-107 away defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The Spurs come to Portland following two home victories against the Dallas Mavericks (98-96) and the Los Angeles Clippers (109-91). This is the season’s first meeting between the two sides. The Trail Blazers have recently struggled at home and last won in Portland over a month ago, 102-90 against the Sacramento Kings, a four game home losing streak has followed that victory.

Point guard Damian Lillard is the leader of the team with 25.5 points and 6.5 assists per game. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge averages 22.3 points and 8.4 rebounds for the Spurs, helped by veteran guards Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker; whilst their star player Kawhi Leonard is slowly getting back in to form after a long-term absence due to injury. An exciting duel of two strong teams awaits at the Moda Center tonight.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the first T20 between India and Sri Lanka at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, India. Prior to this match, the teams played three Tests in India, with two ending in draws and one won by the hosts and in the ODI series, India also came out on top winning 2-1. Two more T20 international are to follow today’s game, in Indore and Mumbai, respectively. In the Big Bash League, there’s a first round game between the Brisbane Heat and the Melbourne Stars at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. The PDC World Darts Championship continues at Alexandra Palace in London. In the NHL, there’s a big match between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The EFL Cup brings quarter-final games between Chelsea and Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in London; as well as between Bristol City and Manchester United at Ashton Gate in Bristol. In football there is the La Liga fixture between Real Sociedad and Sevilla at the Anoeta in San Sebastián; and the Ligue 1 game between Monaco and Rennes at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by NBA