Holy Backboard

The Portland Trail Blazers are off to a scorching 6–1 start, and Dustin and Sage are back to break it all down on the latest episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast! Portland has opened its four-game road trip with three straight wins, improving to 5–0 on the road for the first time since the 1990–91 season. After a disappointing 124–103 loss to Memphis, the Blazers bounced back with impressive victories over Utah (112–90), Denver (118–110), and Phoenix (132–119). Dustin and Sage dive into Portland's explosive offense, currently ranked No. 1 in the NBA at 122.3 points per game, an impressive +11.2 point differential, and noticeable improvements in defensive communication. Donovan Clingan's breakout week takes center stage as the duo discusses his growing impact and what it means for Portland's ceiling. They also examine concerns about Robert Williams III's availability during upcoming back-to-backs and the team's lack of a dependable third center. Other topics include injuries to Ja Morant and Vít Krejčí, Scoot Henderson's adjustment to a lower-usage role, and the valuable contributions of role players Sidi Cissoko and Toumani Camara. Finally, Dustin and Sage look ahead to a challenging stretch featuring matchups against the Lakers, Spurs, and two consecutive games against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Can the Blazers keep their hot start rolling, or will the upcoming schedule bring them back down to earth? Tune in to the Holy Backboard Podcast for all the latest Blazers analysis, reactions, and predictions!

The Portland Trail Blazers are off to a 3–0 start, and Dustin and Sage are back on the Holy Backboard Podcast to break down Portland's impressive opening week of the 2026–27 NBA season! The Blazers dominated the Phoenix Suns 124–83, overcame a slow start to defeat the Sacramento Kings 128–120, and made a statement in Los Angeles with a thrilling 136–129 victory over the Lakers. Dustin and Sage discuss Portland's improved ball security, balanced scoring attack, and defensive intensity, including Toumani Camara's impressive work against Luka Dončić. They also highlight Ja Morant's efficient playmaking, the contributions of Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija, and Robert Williams III emerging as the team's go-to closing center. Despite the undefeated start, there are still areas for improvement. The guys examine missed free throws, concerns about guards rejecting Donovan Clingan's screens, and the ongoing debate over Clingan versus Walker Kessler. Plus, how much credit does the coaching staff deserve for Portland's early success? With injuries affecting contenders across the Western Conference, should the Blazers adjust their expectations and become more aggressive in the trade market? Finally, Dustin and Sage look ahead to upcoming matchups against Memphis, Utah, and Denver as Portland looks to keep its undefeated streak alive. Is this Blazers team a legitimate Western Conference contender, or is it too early to believe the hype? Tune in to Holy Backboard for all things Portland Trail Blazers basketball!

In the 448th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, Dustin and Sage welcome special guest Ted Gold of the Golden Pod to preview the Portland Trail Blazers' season opener against the Phoenix Suns and break down Portland's 3–1 preseason performance. The crew examines the Blazers' defensive struggles following a disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors, including concerns about perimeter defense, roster depth, and Donovan Clingan's effectiveness in certain matchups. With Robert Williams III and Jrue Holiday sidelined against Golden State, how much will Portland's defense depend on staying healthy? They also dive into Scoot Henderson's development, shooting consistency, foul trouble, and the importance of a prove-it season ahead of potential contract extension discussions in 2027. Plus, what can the Blazers realistically expect from Damian Lillard as he returns from an Achilles injury? Other topics include the starting backcourt debate, reports that Ja Morant will start alongside Dame, Portland's decision to waive Jeremy Sochan, and whether Vít Krejčí can rediscover his shooting touch. Finally, the trio previews Portland's opening matchups against the Suns, Kings, and Lakers, sharing predictions and discussing why health, defensive improvement, and a strong start could define the Blazers' season. Can Portland turn preseason promise into regular-season success? Tune in for our full breakdown and predictions!

Dustin and Sage are back for the 447th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast, breaking down the Portland Trail Blazers' undefeated 3–0 preseason start and what it means heading into the 2026–27 NBA season. The guys discuss how much stock to put into preseason results, Micah Nori's experimentation with different starting lineups, and the importance of building team chemistry quickly with a challenging early schedule and aspirations of winning 50-plus games. They also dive into Portland's roster decisions, including potential cuts and two-way contracts, while evaluating Micah Potter, Brandon Carlson, and Jeremy Sochan. Could Potter's floor spacing and energy earn him a role? How valuable would Sochan's defensive versatility be to Portland's rotation? Dustin and Sage debate the ideal backcourt combinations, including a potential Damian Lillard–Scoot Henderson starting duo, Ja Morant's playmaking and lob creation off the bench, and how Jrue Holiday fits into a crowded guard rotation. Plus, they discuss Deni Avdija's effectiveness in a low-usage, high-efficiency role, the Blazers' need for more three-point shooting, rebounding, and another reliable 3-and-D wing. Finally, the guys share their early impressions of Micah Nori's coaching and preview Portland's opening matchups against the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers. Can the Blazers turn preseason momentum into a 50-win season? Tune in for another episode of Holy Backboard!

Dustin and Sage reunite for the 446th episode of Holy Backboard to preview the upcoming NBA season and rank the Western Conference from 1–15 based on projected regular-season finish. The guys factor in injuries, load management, roster construction, depth, and each team's incentives heading into the season. They start at the bottom of the West, including Sacramento, before breaking down the outlooks for the Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Jazz, Mavericks, and Warriors. They debate whether the Suns can establish themselves as a solid playoff team, question the Lakers' offseason moves and defense, and spend plenty of time figuring out where the Portland Trail Blazers belong. How much will the coaching changes matter? Can Portland's guard rotation hold up defensively? And just how important are the Blazers' depth and Robert Williams III's health? At the top, Dustin and Sage have Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the West. They also take a quick look at the Eastern Conference, pick their favorite League Pass teams for the season, and close with early MVP considerations and how the NBA's new officiating points of emphasis could impact the league. Who's too high? Who's too low? And which Western Conference teams are the hardest to predict?

Dustin and Sage return for the 445th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast to break down the latest news surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers. They discuss the recent approval of $573 million in public funding for arena renovations and why the agreement provides more confidence that the Trail Blazers are staying in Portland for the long haul. The guys also look back at Summer League, including Yang's development. While he showed flashes of being able to dominate lower-level competition, he remains a multi-year project who needs to improve his lateral movement, strength, rebounding, and defense while adjusting some of the habits he developed playing in the CBA. Dustin and Sage then dive into Portland's guard-heavy roster, how coach Micah Nori could distribute minutes, and why playing time needs to be earned rather than determined by draft position or reputation. They also discuss the health of several key players and how injuries could impact the rotation. Plus, they explain their optimism about Ja Morant's potential impact as a playmaker, Portland's flexibility with its future draft assets, and what moves could still be ahead. Finally, they break down the 2026-27 Trail Blazers schedule, including a brutal early stretch of road games, 14 back-to-backs, and plenty of matchups against elite competition.

Dustin and Sage jump on an emergency episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast after the stunning news that the Portland Trail Blazers have acquired 26-year-old All-NBA guard Ja Morant. The duo breaks down the reported trade that sends Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis, explaining why they view it as a "Moneyball" move to land a superstar talent at a bargain price. They discuss how Morant immediately addresses Portland's biggest weaknesses with his elite ballhandling, rim pressure, playmaking, and star power while weighing the risks surrounding his outside shooting and off-court history. They also examine how Morant's contract aligns with the Blazers' competitive window alongside Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija. The conversation shifts to the basketball fit, including the challenges of pairing Morant with an aging Lillard returning from an Achilles injury, potential defensive concerns, staggered rotations, and how Scoot Henderson could thrive in more off-ball opportunities. Finally, Dustin and Sage look ahead to free agency, discuss Jrue Holiday's role as Portland's most likely trade chip, and explain why they believe this blockbuster is only the beginning of a busy offseason for the Blazers.

Dustin and Sage are back on the Holy Backboard Podcast to break down the Trail Blazers' offseason. They begin by honoring legendary former Blazers head coach Rick Adelman, reflecting on his impact in Portland, his success with the Kings and Rockets, and why his offensive philosophy was years ahead of its time. The conversation then shifts to Portland's hiring of former Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori. The duo discusses his coaching and scouting background, Minnesota's reputation for elite preparation and defensive game planning, and whether Nori's reported one-year guaranteed contract raises concerns about long-term stability, staff continuity, and building a lasting culture. Dustin and Sage also react to the NBA Draft and ESPN's broadcast, debate the value of draft picks versus proven players, and look ahead to Portland's biggest offseason priorities. Topics include the continued development of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, adding much-needed shooting—potentially through second-round picks—bringing back Robert Williams III, and finding a pathway for Damian Lillard's return by moving Jrue Holiday. They also explain why they're skeptical of pursuing expensive trade targets such as Trey Murphy III and Anthony Davis. All that and more on this week's episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast.

  Dustin and Sage recap the 442nd Holy Backboard Podcast after the Trail Blazers squandered two home playoff chances against the Spurs, falling behind 3–1 and feeling the season is near its end. They break down Game 3's 120–108 loss after leading 82–67 late in the third, criticizing late-game iso-heavy offense, lack of ball movement, turnovers, and poor rebounding, even without Wemby. They then cover Game 4's 114–93 defeat despite a 58–41 halftime lead, highlighting a disastrous second half, defensive communication failures, and embarrassingly low scoring. They argue that Portland underachieved all season, stress the need for better coaching, clearer roles, more shooting, and two-way players, critique Jrue Holiday's high-usage mistakes, and discuss the absence of vocal/emotional leadership. They also note a lackluster playoff arena atmosphere and outline hopes for Game 5: start Rob Williams, empower younger players, compete with effort, and avoid injuries.  

Dustin and Sage recap Game 2 immediately after Portland's 106–103 comeback win in San Antonio to tie the series 1–1 heading to Portland for Games 3 and 4. They break down Victor Wembanyama leaving with a concussion after a Jrue Holiday play, discuss concussion protocol timelines, and note the impact of potentially losing him for multiple games. The hosts highlight Scoot Henderson's game-high 31 points and his growing comfort hunting midrange looks, as well as the importance of late-game rebounding and limiting live-ball turnovers. They praise Robert Williams' two-way impact, discuss Toumani Camara's bounce-back defense and timely threes, and examine Deni Avdija's drop from a historic Game 1 to a tougher Game 2 due to the Spurs' defensive focus. They criticize Jerami Grant's struggles, debate rotation tweaks, preview Game 3 X-factors, and predict a physical battle.