Portland Trail Blazers vs. Orlando Magic: Preview & Where to Watch

The Portland Trail Blazers are set to host the Orlando Magic at the Moda Center in Portland, OR on January 31, 2025. The game is expected to be a tight contest, with the Magic having a slight edge in win probability at 50.4%.

This game will be a battle between two teams with young, talented rosters. The Trail Blazers are led by the dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, who will look to carry the offensive load. However, they will have to do so without Robert Williams III, Shaedon Sharpe, and Matisse Thybulle who are all listed as out.

The Magic have a strong core of young players, including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. These players are capable of putting up big numbers and will be looking to make a statement in this game.

Key Matchups

Damian Lillard vs. Cole Anthony: Lillard is one of the best point guards in the NBA, and Anthony is a young, rising star. This matchup will be crucial to both teams' success.
Jusuf Nurkic vs. Wendell Carter Jr.: This will be a battle between two of the best centers in the league. Both players are dominant on the inside and will be looking to control the paint.
Anfernee Simons vs. Franz Wagner: Both players are versatile guards who can score at all three levels. This matchup will be a battle of skill and athleticism.

Where to Watch

This game is a must-watch for any NBA fan, and there are a few different ways to watch it. If you are in the US, you can catch the game on ESPN or NBA TV. If you are outside the US, you will need to find a streaming service that offers NBA coverage.

Here are some popular options for watching NBA games online:

NBA League Pass: This is the official streaming service of the NBA. It offers live and on-demand access to all NBA games, including out-of-market games.
fuboTV: This streaming service offers a variety of live channels, including ESPN and NBA TV.
Sling TV: This streaming service offers a variety of channels, including ESPN.
Hulu + Live TV: This streaming service offers a variety of channels, including ESPN and NBA TV.

Remember to always watch NBA games from reputable sources to avoid scams and malware.

Trail Blazers & Magic Recent Form

The Trail Blazers are coming off a strong win against the Utah Jazz, while the Magic are coming off a close win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams are playing well right now and will be looking to continue their momentum in this game.

Here is a look at the last five games for both teams:

Portland Trail Blazers:

L 121-82 @ Sacramento Kings (2024-04-14)
L 101-99 vs LA Clippers (2024-10-12)
W 105-85 @ Sacramento Kings (2024-10-13)
W 111-100 vs Ulm (2024-10-17)
W 124-86 vs Utah Jazz (2024-10-19)

Orlando Magic:

W 103-96 vs Cleveland Cavaliers (2024-05-03)
L 106-94 @ Cleveland Cavaliers (2024-05-05)
L 106-104 @ New Orleans Pelicans (2024-10-07)
L 107-97 @ San Antonio Spurs (2024-10-10)
W 114-99 vs Philadelphia 76ers (2024-10-18)

The Bottom Line

This game has all the makings of a great matchup. Both teams are playing well, and the talent on both sides is undeniable. The Trail Blazers will be looking to continue their winning ways at home, while the Magic will be looking to prove that they are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.

Who will come out on top? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this game is a must-watch for any NBA fan!