Portland Trail Blazers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Game preview, prediction, time, TV channel

Trail Blazers and Timberwolves are set to conclude a three-game homestand with a matchup on Friday night.

The starters for the two teams are as follows:

• Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Drew Eubanks, Justise Winslow
• Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, D'Angelo Russell, Jaden McDaniels, Kyle Anderson, Rudy Gobert

Portland (27-29) has lost four of its last five games, including a 133-112 loss to the Timberwolves (30-26) on Wednesday night.

Minnesota built a 21-point lead in the first half of the game and never looked back. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 points, while Lillard was held to just 15. The loss was the latest in a disappointing season for the Trail Blazers, who were expected to compete for a playoff spot but have struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

The Timberwolves, meanwhile, have won three of their last four games and are in eighth place in the Western Conference. They are led by Edwards, who is averaging 24.7 points per game, and Gobert, who is averaging 13.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.

Friday's game is the second of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves, who lost to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are coming off a day of rest.

The game will be televised on Bally Sports North and Root Sports Northwest. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.

Prediction

The Timberwolves are the slight favorites in this game, but the Trail Blazers are capable of pulling off an upset if they can get Lillard going. The key for the Timberwolves will be to limit Lillard's scoring and to control the boards. The key for the Trail Blazers will be to make shots and to play with energy.

Ultimately, I think the Timberwolves will win this game, but it will be a close one. The Trail Blazers are a talented team, and they are always dangerous at home. But the Timberwolves are playing well right now, and they have a better overall record.