Dame Time is back in Portland — and the Blazers look dangerous
Blazers predictions, odds and best bets: Dame is home, and the model likes Portland on opening night Let’s catch you up.
- The group could change depending on matchups and Williams’ availability — he did not play in back-to-backs last season — and it’s likely that Micah Potter, Branden Carlson and Yang Hansen will occasionally see spot duty, as well.
- Portland defied pundits last season, winning 10 of its last 14 regular season games to secure a spot in the play-in tournament, where it beat the Suns in Phoenix to earn the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
- The Blazers’ coaching position had been embroiled in controversy, of course, as former coach Chauncey Billups — who was placed on indefinite leave by the NBA — is facing federal felony charges related to money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy for his alleged involvement in a rigged underground poker game.
The San Antonio Spurs dismissed the Blazers with a gentleman’s sweep in the playoffs, but the strong run — combined with the additions of Lillard and Morant — has raised expectations in Portland.
The Blazers open the 2026-27 NBA season Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns — a team they upset in April in the play-in tournament — and if you’re just now tuning in for the start of the regular season, well, there’s a lot you missed.
- Micah Nori, the Blazers’ first-year head coach, said he plans on using a 10-man rotation to start the season, which will allow the Blazers to capitalize on their depth and versatility.
- The Blazers stabilized their turbulent coaching situation in June, hiring longtime NBA assistant Nori to replace interim coach Tiago Splitter.
- The Blazers are expected to unveil a new starting lineup that features a pair of notable All-Star additions: Damian Lillard and Ja Morant.
- Camara said in training camp that the Blazers’ goal is to win 50 or more games and secure home-court advantage in the postseason.
- Early indications have been encouraging, as the Blazers players seem to love him and the front office works well with him.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →