Published on: Oct 6, 2022 11:31 pm IST|Updated on: Oct 8, 2022 9:44 am IST
POR vs MRA Dream11: The NBA Preseason is on and in this leg, we see some cross-league battles. In one of those battles, the Adelaide 36ers’ long-ball destroyed the last year’s number-one seed Phoenix Suns but let us be honest, the team wasn’t as switched on and took it like an exhibition game. In one of another cross-league affair, Israeli club Maccabi Raanana will pay a visit to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Trail Blazers suffered a loss to the Utah Jazz in the last game, losing 97:102 despite a stellar 21 points effort by gun-shooter Damian Lillard. On the other hand, Maccabi will play their second game against an NBA squad and lost to the second-string Clippers 81:121 in their last outing. Host: Portland Trail Blazers Visitors: Maccabi Raanana Match Timing: 7 October, @ 07:30 AM Venue: Moda Center
Trail Blazers’ big season The Trail Blazers have added defense to their squad after including Jerami Grant. A lineup of Lillard, Simons, Hart, Grant, and Nurkic looks amazing as this gives team multiple outlets to run the offense. Perhaps Nasir Little will play a core part to address the defensive issues that have plagued the team but it is the signing of Jerami that the Trail Blazers are banking upon. The bench looks a bit timid to be honest but overall, Portland can surprise squads. But is a top-four West ranking in reach? I doubt so.
Raanana
Maccabi were exposed in their first outing against the Clippers, and they were buried by a second/third string team of the Clippers. They got only two players contributing consistently in the form of Morse and Siggers. It will be interesting to see if their defense takes care of Lillard here or he pops in a big night, which is the higher likelihood. Still, this is a great opportunity for Maccabi to prepare for their season ahead in the Isreal Basketball League.
Portland Trail Blazers News
Trail Blazers Expected Starting Five
Forward: PF: Jerami Grant Middle: C: Jusuf Nurkic Guards: PG: Damian Lillard | SG: Josh Hart | PG: Anfernee Simons
BENCH: Nasir Little, Greg Brown III, Devontae Cacok, Drew Eubanks, Wes Iwundu, Keon Johnson, Isaiah Miller, Shaedon Sharpe, Jared Rhoden, Olivier Sarr, Jabari Walker, Trendon Watford, Brandon Williams, Justise Winslow.
Macccabi Raanana Team News
Raanana Expected Starting Five Forwards: PF: Willy Workman | PF: Alon Sapir Middle: C: Anthony Morse Guards: SG: Rom Geffen | PG: Jason Siggers
BENCH: Jordan Lewis, Terrance Jones, Eric Griffin, Jonathan Holton, Niv Avidan, Leonadro Garcia Morales, Ziv Maoz, Norris Cole, Briante Weber, Alex Leder, Gilad Melnik, Sindarius Thornwell, Daniel Hilel, Okaro White.
Anthony Morse(MRA) Morse can be a problem in the low-block with his superb scoring and rebounding skills. He can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario.
Damian Lillard (POR ) Lillard is one of the most creative scorers in the league and he will be hungry to prove that sticking with the Trail Blazers franchise is best for his career.
Jason Siggers(MRA) Jason can provide effective scoring as a starter and can be up for another big night here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 29-40
Jusuf Nurkic(POR) Nurkic is a stellar Center who can get big on boards, and provide low and high post play while being a decent help defender.
Willy Workman(MRA) Workman is a brilliant rebounder and he will need to come big on boards here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-33
Jerami Grant(POR) Jerami is a prolific two-way player and will like to hunt a long-term abode with the defense-starved Trail Blazers. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 21-33
PG: D Lillard(SP), B Williams SG: J Hart, J Siggers SF: J Grant, W Workman PF: E Griffin C: A Morse(PP)
Scores will be available on both Google and NBA. To catch the game, go to the NBA League Pass. For the highlights, the official YouTube channel of the NBA.