The Blazers won Sunday in Chicago, 113-102. Shaedon Sharpe led Portland with 23 points. That snapped a 5-game losing streak for the Blazers. Miami knocked off the Spurs Sunday at home, 128-107, behind 25 points from rookie Kel ‘El Ware.

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Heat Nation will await the announcement of the starters, which included rookie Kel’el Ware to open the second half of their previous win on Sunday.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) tries to get around the defense of Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) AP AP

It won't happen, and nobody knows when — or if — Popovich will be back on the Spurs' sideline. Popovich's absence is a glaring one in Paris this week for the pair of NBA matchups between the Pacers and Spurs on Thursday and Saturday; he's back home, recovering from a November stroke.

The Trail Blazers have overcome an early deficit to take the lead back in this one. They have a bit of a cushion as they currently lead the Heat 97-77. The Trail Blazers came into the contest with some extra motivation after the defeat they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off.

TV channel: KATU (Antenna: 2.2 in Portland. Xfinity: 302 and 1170. DirecTV: 688-1. KUNP (Antenna: 47.1. Xfinity: 16, 302, 1170. DirecTV: 47. Spectrum: 184).

As one of the younger teams in the NBA, the Blazers have made strides this year, but they’re still far from ready to compete with playoff-level competition on a regular basis. Portland ranks 27th in the league in offensive rating (108.6), and nearly as poorly on the other end, sitting 26th in defensive rating (117.1).

Jimmy Butler will be suspended by the Miami Heat for the second time in three weeks, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday, a move that adds to the possibility he has already played his final game for the franchise.

As the N.B.A. confronts a fast-approaching time without LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, the 21-year-old Spurs star has embraced the idea that he is the league’s future.

While the NBA and its fans are focused on the upcoming trade deadline, the games keep coming — and the best keep separating themselves from the rest. 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7, Last Week No. 2).