It seemed like the Trail Blazers might be primed for a bit of a run to start the New Year after going 4-1 over the course of a five-game homestand. But after winning four-straight, Portland suffered back-to-back road losses to the Nuggets and Kings, which didn't completely scuttle the momentum they seemed to be building, but it certainly didn't quiet concerns that they're a team incapable of beating the best teams in the Western Conference, especially on the road. At the end of the day, a win is a win, but getting fat on teams from the Eastern Conference isn't going to impress those skeptical of Portland's viability as a contender in the West after being swept by the Pelicans in the 2018 Playoffs despite being the higher-seeded team.
POWER RANKINGS » Coming Up Short On The Road In Week 14
