Knicks, Trail Blazers trending opposite ways entering matchup
Teams trending in different directions will square off in an interconference meeting on Sunday, when the red-hot Portland Trail Blazers host the flailing New York Knicks.
Portland has pieced together a season-long five-game winning streak since the calendar flipped to 2026 and will wrap up a four-game homestand Sunday. The Trail Blazers currently own the No. 9 spot in the competitive Western Conference standings as they search for their first postseason appearance since 2021.
Last time out, Portland outscored the Rockets 34-15 in the fourth quarter en route to a 111-105 victory to complete a two-game sweep of Houston. Playing its best basketball of the season, this recent stretch is a credit to sticking to the process for interim head coach Tiago Splitter's group.
"You've got to believe in your system and the way we play," Splitter said. "Sometimes basketball is tough. You miss shots and you think it's a failure. You've just got to keep doing the right things and slowly the guys start to get confidence. ... I think we are growing, we are developing. This young group is just getting better."
A key part of Portland's winning ways has been Toumani Camara, who poured in a career-high 25 points Friday. Known for his defensive prowess, the third-year player is averaging 17.6 points across the Trail Blazers' five-game winning streak.
"I feel like I found a rhythm pretty early into the game," Camara said after the most recent win over Houston. "Then after that, it's back to what I do. I focus on defense and try to make plays. With this team, we all trust in each other and it could be anybody's night. ... Anybody can get on fire the way that we move the ball."
Deni Avdija's 26.1 points per game lead Portland, while Shaedon Sharpe adds 21.5.
New York, meanwhile, has dropped five of its last six as it prepares for the second stint of a four-game road trip. The Knicks haven't earned a victory over a team with a winning record since Christmas Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
First-year head coach Mike Brown wants to see a secondary ball-handler step up behind star Jalen Brunson. With Josh Hart (sprained right ankle) and Landry Shamet (right shoulder sprain) still nursing injuries, the load continues to be on Brunson's shoulders.
"That's where a guy like Josh, a guy like Landry helps out," Brown said. " ... Obviously we're trying to give some young guys an opportunity and some guys that aren't usually in that situation an opportunity, and they've just got to do the best they can. ... The biggest thing is if you're getting pressured, you're just going to have to go by the defense. You can't allow the defense to dictate what you're doing."
The good news, whatever happens in this game, is that Hart, listed as questionable versus Portland, is getting closer to a return.
Brunson led the Knicks with 27 points in a 112-107 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Reserve point guard Tyler Kolek scored just two points off the bench.
Brunson's 29.0 ppg rank eighth in the league, while Karl-Anthony Towns averages 21.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest.