Never underestimate the thrill a professional athlete can have from simply being in the race for something. Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons left Sunday night’s 119-112 loss to the Detroit Pistons disappointed with the defeat but remained optimistic regarding his team’s chances of earning a Western Conference play-in berth.

Cade Cunningham scored 28 points, Tobias Harris added 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting and the Detroit Pistons defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 119-112.

After building a lead of 18 points, the Pistons thwarted a significant comeback attempt by the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Portland Trail Blazers blew yet another opportunity to gain ground on the Dallas Mavericks in the race for the Western Conference’s final play-in berth on Sunday night. The Blazers returned home from a seven-game trip (4-3) to lose 119-112 to the Detroit Pistons at the Moda Center.

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Anfernee Simons scored 34 points and Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan each posted a double-double as the Portland Trail Blazers continued their strong road trip with a 119-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.

The Portland Trail Blazers host the Detroit Pistons in non-conference action. Sunday's meeting is the first of the season between the two teams.

Anfernee Simons had 28 points and out six assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 114-112 victory over the Utah Jazz

The Oklahoma City Thunder return home to start a three-game homestand when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. OKC has won the first three season matchups, with its latest victory on Jan. 26.

Cade Cunningham anotó 28 puntos, Tobias Harris agregó 20 unidades con 9 de 13 en tiros y los Pistons de Detroit derrotaron 119-112 a los Trail