The Portland Trail Blazers are working hard back to the .500 mark, but other issues are more slippery than their record. The Blazers dealt with treacherous weather conditions after temperatures caused Portland to experience excessive ice. As a result, Deandre Ayton had trouble getting to Moda Center.
Deandre Ayton's return from injury gets delayed due to the adverse weather
Several players had trouble getting to Moda Center Wednesday night due to ice on sidewalks and roads, per Sean Highkin. Ayton was no exception. The star center was not able to leave his neighborhood, and thus, will not play in the Blazers' game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Head Coach Chauncy Billups said Ayton would be ready to play in Wednesday night's matchup, but Mother Nature had other plans. The 25-year-old was having a solid season for the Blazers before missing several games with a knee issue.
Ayton averages an impressive double-double with 13.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. His return will provide a reliable paint presence for a struggling Blazers team.
Portland enters its cross-conference matchup ranked 14th in the Western Conference standings. Things have not gone smoothly, yet, there are still bright spots.
Veteran forward Jerami Grant is averaging the second-most points per game of his career. Moreover, the Blazers' young guards are producing and gaining valuable experience.
Not having Deandre Ayton hurts the team, as Portland needs all hands on deck for a Nets team desperate for a win. Brooklyn has lost eight of its last nine games. Nevertheless, the Trail Blazers have a chance to defend their home court and get a victory as the game prepares for tip-off.