More Hoops for Rip City: Blazers' Schedule Gets a December Update

Well, the NBA Cup dream, remember that? It was a fresh idea, sparking a bit of buzz across the league. But for our beloved Portland Trail Blazers, the journey, regrettably, was a short one this year. After failing to advance past the group stage, which, let's be honest, stings a little for fans hoping for a deep run, the league had to make some adjustments. And just like that, Rip City gets two new December games! It’s a classic case of one door closing, and a couple of new ones opening on the calendar.

So, what exactly is on the docket? Mark your calendars, folks, because the Blazers have a couple of fresh matchups to look forward to! First up, we'll see the team host the Utah Jazz on December 8th. It's an afternoon tip-off, giving fans a prime opportunity to catch some weekend action at the Moda Center. Then, a few days later, on December 13th, the Houston Rockets will roll into town. Both these games, initially unscheduled before the tournament's structure was fully laid out, are now firmly cemented in the team's busy December slate. Think of them as the league's way of ensuring every single team still plays a full 82-game regular season, regardless of how far they progress in the In-Season Tournament.

While the initial disappointment of not hoisting that shiny new NBA Cup trophy might linger for this season, these added games are, undoubtedly, a silver lining for fans eager for more home-court action. Every game is a chance for our young squad to grow, to gel, and to showcase their burgeoning talent. It’s an opportunity to build momentum, to test new strategies against real competition, and, crucially, to earn some valuable wins as the season progresses. Plus, who doesn't love more basketball? It keeps the energy buzzing around the Rose Quarter, even if the stakes aren't quite as novel as a tournament final.

These kinds of schedule tweaks are simply part and parcel of a dynamic NBA season. The league is always adapting, and teams, including our Blazers, are built to roll with those punches. It means the coaching staff and players will have a couple more dates to prepare for, two more chances to refine their game plan and execute on the court. It simply reinforces that in the NBA, the show truly must go on, and every single game holds significance in the long haul of an 82-game marathon.