Trail Blazers Host Hornets in Non-Conference Matchup

Deni Avdija and LaMelo Ball lead their respective teams in out-of-conference clash

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Portland Trail Blazers will host the Charlotte Hornets in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday night. The Trail Blazers are 31-34 on the season and sit 10th in the Western Conference, while the Hornets are 32-33 and 10th in the Eastern Conference. Deni Avdija is averaging 24.3 points, 7 rebounds and 6.7 assists for Portland, while LaMelo Ball is scoring 19.3 points per game for Charlotte.

Why it matters

This out-of-conference matchup between two teams fighting for playoff positioning in their respective conferences provides an interesting intersectional test. The game features a clash of styles, with the high-scoring Hornets facing off against the defensive-minded Trail Blazers.

The details

The Trail Blazers are 17-15 at home this season and average 118.0 points per game, while allowing 118.0 points. The Hornets are 18-16 on the road and average 115.9 points, while allowing 112.5 points per game. Portland's Deni Avdija and Charlotte's LaMelo Ball are the top scorers for their respective teams.

  • The teams last met on February 28, with the Hornets defeating the Trail Blazers 109-93.
  • Tuesday's game is the second and final regular season matchup between the two teams.

The players

Deni Avdija

A 24.3 points per game scorer and key player for the Portland Trail Blazers.

LaMelo Ball

The 19.3 points per game leading scorer for the Charlotte Hornets.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain ground on the other in the race for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

This intersectional matchup between two teams outside the top 8 in their conferences provides an interesting test of styles, with the high-powered Hornets offense facing off against the defensive-minded Trail Blazers.