The Charlotte Hornets return home in strong form as they face the Portland Trail Blazers at Spectrum Center on February 28. Both teams hold the same 29-31 record, but their recent performances tell very different stories. Charlotte are one of the hottest teams in the league, while Portland enter the game short-handed due to multiple injuries.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Portland Trail Blazers vs Charlotte Hornets |
| Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Venue | Spectrum Center, Charlotte |
| Tip-off | 1:00 PM ET |
| Season Record | Both teams: 29-31 |
This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Current Form: Momentum Clearly with Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets Form
The Hornets have been one of the best teams over the last two months.
- Won 13 of their last 16 games
- Dominant wins in recent matches, including big victories over Chicago and Indiana
- Strong team offense and improved defensive energy
- Key contributors:
- Brandon Miller – 33 points in last game
- LaMelo Ball – playmaking and scoring
- Kon Knueppel – breakout rookie season
Charlotte’s recent form has pushed them into the Play-In race in the Eastern Conference.
Portland Trail Blazers Form
Portland come into the game after a 121-112 road win over Chicago, their third straight road victory. However, the team is dealing with major injury concerns.
Key recent performers:
- Jerami Grant – 27 points last game
- Robert Williams III – 14 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks
- Jrue Holiday – strong late-game performance
Despite the recent win, Portland’s overall offensive consistency remains a concern.
Injury Report: Major Blow for Portland
Portland Trail Blazers
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Deni Avdija | Doubtful | Back injury |
| Donovan Clingan | Questionable | Illness |
| Shaedon Sharpe | Out | Fibula injury |
| Damian Lillard | Out | Achilles management |
| Sidy Cissoko | Questionable | Illness |
Avdija is expected to miss his third straight game. His absence has forced Portland to rely more on Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday for scoring.
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte have no major injury concerns, giving them a clear advantage in team depth and stability.
Team Comparison Overview
| Category | Hornets | Trail Blazers |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 29-31 | 29-31 |
| Recent Form | 13 wins in last 16 | Inconsistent |
| Injuries | Minimal | Multiple key absences |
| Offensive Form | High scoring | Bottom-tier efficiency |
| Play-In Position | East race | West 9th place |
Betting Odds and Game Lines
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Hornets -7.5 |
| Moneyline | Hornets -310, Blazers +250 |
| Over/Under | Around 228–229.5 |
With Portland missing key scorers, expectations point toward a lower total scoring game.
Key Players to Watch
Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel
- Averaging nearly 20 points per game
- Shooting over 44% from three
- Recently broke the rookie three-point record
- Averaging 22.7 PPG this month
LaMelo Ball
- Controls the tempo and creates scoring chances
Brandon Miller
- Consistent scoring threat
Portland Trail Blazers
Jerami Grant
- Averaging around 19+ points in February
- Averaging 20+ points in games without Avdija
- Scored 27, 21, and 23 points in last three games
Jrue Holiday
- Averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in February
Game Prediction and Expected Outcome
Most predictions favor Charlotte due to:
- Better recent form
- Home advantage
- Healthier roster
- Portland missing top scorers
Score Predictions (Range):
- Hornets 122 – Blazers 110
- Hornets 120 – Blazers 110
- Hornets 114 – Blazers 98
The key factor will be Charlotte’s defense forcing turnovers against a Portland team that struggles with ball control.
What Could Decide the Match?
Charlotte’s Keys
- Push the pace and score in transition
- Pressure Portland’s ball handlers
- Strong three-point shooting
Portland’s Keys
- Slow the game tempo
- Big scoring night from Jerami Grant
- Defensive discipline to stay competitive
Even though both teams share the same record, Charlotte are playing at a much higher level right now. With Portland missing key players and struggling offensively, the Hornets have a clear advantage at home. If Charlotte maintain their defensive pressure and shooting rhythm, they are expected to secure another comfortable win and continue their strong push toward the Play-In tournament.
FAQs
Will Deni Avdija play today?
He is listed as doubtful with a back injury and is expected to miss the game.
Who is the favorite?
Charlotte Hornets are strong favorites at home with a spread of around -7.5.
Which player could have a big game?
Kon Knueppel for Charlotte and Jerami Grant for Portland are the top scoring candidates.
Kon Knueppel for Charlotte and Jerami Grant for Portland are the top scoring candidates.
Charlotte have won 13 of their last 16 games and are one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
