After one of the longest offseasons in NBA history and one of the shortest training camps, the Portland Trail Blazers play the first of a four-game preseason schedule by hosting the Sacramento Kings Friday night at the Moda Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
In a season sure to be one of the oddest in league history -- the season is 10 games shorter than usual, the schedule is being released in parts, the Toronto Raptors have to play in Tampa, FL and most games will be played without fans, at least to start the season -- it only makes sense that the start would be unprecedented.