The challenging start is behind them. And now the string of road trips is in the past as well.
Now the Portland Trail Blazers begin a segment that could become a defining moment of their season.
With 11 of their next 13 games in the Rose Garden — where Portland will put its 7-0 home record on the line tonight against Orlando — the Blazers have an ideal opportunity to increase their momentum and solidify their place among the Western Conference’s elite teams.
But if they are able to build that momentum, it will not come against a creampuff schedule.
Only four opponents on this homestand currently hold losing records — Sacramento, the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto and Golden State — while the other eight foes are a combined 94-45 (.676).
But that also gives the homestand extra meaning.
Tonight, the Blazers can sweep the season series with the Magic, who hold the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Next week’s nationally-televised game against Phoenix offers an opportunity to snap an 11-game losing streak to the Suns, as well as prevent them from winning the playoff tiebreaker.
A back-to-back, home-and-home series could hold implications in the Northwest Division title hunt — which the Blazers currently lead by a half-game over the Nuggets. Games against New Orleans and Dallas — a Christmas Day showcase matchup — bring more key matchups against playoff contenders.
It may be about to become clear just how serious of a player Portland can be in the Western Conference.
