Rankings do not always tell the whole story. Here's the inside scoop on the Trail Blazers recent progress ahead of their matchup with the Hornets.

Anfernee Simons scored 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to three with a 100-79 victory over Orlando on Thursday night, spoiling the return of Magic forward Franz Wagner.

The Portland Trail Blazers (16-28) and Charlotte Hornets (11-29) meet Friday. Tip-off from Spectrum Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the

Portland is playing their best basketball of the season. Winners of three in a row, the Blazers are led by Anfernee Simons who is averaging 18.2ppg and Shaedon Sharpe contributing 17.7ppg. Scoot Henderson is improving by the game. The 2 nd -year pro is dishing out 5.3 assists per game and scoring 12.3 points nightly while shooting 35% from deep.

Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Donovan Clingan is listed as probable ahead of Friday night’s game at the Charlotte Hornets after missing five games with a left ankle injury. This is an extremely positive development for the Blazers, who will be without starting center Deandre Ayton (knee) and backup Robert Williams III (right hand soreness).

The Charlotte Hornets (11-29) are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers (16-28) on Friday; the date, time, TV channels, and free live

With Portland, the Hornets welcome a team that's in a very familiar spot to Spectrum Center. As many expected, the Trail Blazers have been one of the worst ball clubs in the Western Conference. But as of late, they are riding a three-game winning streak, including last night's impressive 101-79 victory in Orlando.

While some may be ancy to back LaMelo Ball's scoring output against Portland, Douglas Farmer breaks down why that isn’t the best approach ahead of tonight's clash in Charlotte.

The Portland Trail Blazers will be taking on the Charlotte Hornets tonight as the team looks to grab their fourth win in a row. Portland is coming off a big win

As Orlando was making a late comeback bid on Thursday, Henderson sized up his defender and took two probing dribbles toward the basket, then whipped a one-handed pass across his body to Jerami Grant on the opposite wing. Grant buried a three that slammed the door on the Magic’s 8-0 run and the Blazers won the game.

The Charlotte Hornets will begin a nine-game homestand tonight as they welcome in the Portland Trail Blazers, who have seemed to have figured some things out as of late. Our crew's picks for tonight's action are in.