As the NBA season rolls into December, the Portland Trail Blazers are moving backwards, having lost five of their last six games. This past week, the team eked out a win against the Magic, only to drop back-to-back contests to the Nuggets and Spurs. The continued slide was reflected in this week’s NBA Power Rankings, compiled by various national publications.
CBS Sports has the team ranked 10th, down from sixth last week. Reid Forgrave is concerned with the recent defensive drop-off:
The Blazers started the season as hot as anyone, but have lost five of six, albeit against a tough schedule.