CJ McCollum

Raptors (21-8) at Trail Blazers (13-19): Preview

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:03 a.m. ET

Fansided, Ian Gustafson/FanSided via Raptors Rapture

The Christmas break is over – the Toronto Raptors are back in action Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Toronto Raptors stomp into Portland Monday night to play Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers. The Raptors are riding a three-game winning streak while the Trail Blazers have dropped five straight.

3 Keys to Victory for the Raptors

Next: 3 Keys to Victory for the Trail Blazers

3 Keys to Victory for the Trail Blazers

Next: Conclusion & Final Score

Ian’s Conclusions

It will be a battle between which backcourt plays best. The key matchup is between Kyle Lowry and Damian Lillard. If Lillard does not play I think it will be a large win for the Raps. With Lillard I think the Blazers will keep it close but Toronto will come out victorious.

Mar 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) looks for a play as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) guards him at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Trail Blazers 117-115. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction & Final Score

Since Toronto is on a winning streak and Portland is on a losing streak I expect the Raptors will win this game. Portland will be hungry for a win, so it will be a close game. Portland is at home so they will have the support from their fans. I think the Trail Blazers will be full of too many Christmas goodies and fall to the Raps. This prediction is if Lillard does play but if he does not and Shabazz Napier does I believe Kyle Lowry will have himself a day against the young point guard.

Raptors 98 – Trail Blazers 93