The 2026-27 NBA season is here! Check out our team previews, including power rankings, best- and worst-case scenarios, and fantasy advice.
Record: 42-40 (7th in the West, lost 4-1 in first round to Spurs)
Signings: Robert Williams III (3 year, $44 milion extension), Branden Carlson (1 year, $2.4 million), Jeremy Sochan (1 year, $2.6 million)
Key departures: Jerami Grant (traded to Grizzlies), Kris Murray (traded to Grizzlies)
What’s exciting: Portland has two comeback stories to monitor with Dame and Ja. Lillard’s first deep 3 is gonna cause Moda Center to explode. There really is no losing for him. As for Ja, he’s got a lot to lose with only two years left on his big contract. The Blazers gave him a chance, though, and I can’t wait to see how he handles it. Morant played eight games last year where he looked more like himself. If he’s able to tap more into that, then the Blazers could have a dynamic backcourt duo once again.
What’s concerning: On the flipside of the excitement is the worry about sacrifice. Dame, Ja, and Scoot Henderson all need touches and that’s before getting to All-Star forward Deni Avdija. Are we sure a rookie head coach on a one-year-guaranteed deal is going to be able to manage all these egos and minutes? As optimistic as I am about how these guys could play together, it’s undoubtedly something that could become an issue when all of them are better with the ball in their hands. — Kevin O’Connor
Ja Morant looked rusty; the lift isn’t there yet. Who knows, it could be gone. The Blazers guard situation remains one of the most puzzling in the NBA and I’m steering clear of most of it. Though, Damian Lillard’s ADP seems modest. — Dan Titus
Opening week: 10/21 vs. Suns, 10/23 at Kings
If they’re able to at least flirt with being a top-10 unit defensively this year, the added offensive firepower could give them a higher floor than people are giving them credit for.
Worst case: Outside of the Play-In Tournament
I think it would take some real injury misfortune for the Blazers to be in worst-in-the-conference/league territory. Still, there’s definitely a world where the defense takes a hit in light of their smaller backcourt and they don’t score efficiently enough to offset that dip. — Nekias Duncan
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
