Portland Trail BlazersOpen full analysis
Chicago BullsOpen full analysis
Portland defeated Chicago 121–112 on February 26 at the United Center, staying above the Vegas total of 235.5 points combined. Jeremiah Grant led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, while Trayce Camara added 16 in the victory. The Bulls countered with Matas Buzelis scoring 20 and Trent Jones contributing 19, but Chicago's 50% shooting and nine three-pointers proved insufficient. Portland's defensive intensity was the deciding factor: the Trail Blazers held Chicago to a 104.5 offensive rating while posting a 114.5 mark themselves, forcing 20 Chicago turnovers against just 12 of their own. Portland also dominated the glass and steals, grabbing 45 rebounds and recording 10 steals compared to Chicago's 41 boards and 8 steals. A decisive second quarter—Portland outscored Chicago 37–29—set the tone early, and despite Chicago's balanced fourth-quarter effort (26 points), the Trail Blazers' second-half control proved decisive. Portland's road win strengthens their playoff positioning in the West.
