We never thought we’d be here.
Every season must turn, however, and when the Portland Trail Blazers play the Milwaukee Bucks on a crisp Wisconsin afternoon, Damian Lillard will be wearing a jersey without a hint of red or black.
Leaving aside how we all feel about it, the 4-11 Blazers still need to play basketball, and they’ll be up against an 11-5 Bucks team that has won six of their last seven and are starting to find consistency with their new star guard.
Off the court for Milwaukee will be Khris Middleton (out with Achilles tendonitis) and potentially Giannis Antetokounmpo (listed as probable with non-COVID illness), whereas Portland recently welcomed both Scoot Henderson and Malcolm Brogdon back to the fold.