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Blazers Beat Timberwolves, Secure Playoff Spot Against Nuggets

3/21/2026

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Summary

Grant Leads Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-104 on March 20, 2026, as Portland forward Jerami Grant led with 26 points, including a late 3-pointer.
Portland built an 18-point lead, but Minnesota kept the game competitive without star Anthony Edwards.
Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota.
The win moved Portland into the Western Conference's eighth seed, and the team will next face the Denver Nuggets.

Summary

NBA Expansion Plans

The NBA is poised to expand, likely adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas, with a vote soon.
Expansion will trigger an expansion draft, allowing teams to protect up to eight players.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson and Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe must be protected versus Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant.
Philadelphia 76ers could use the expansion to part ways with Joel Embiid, easing salary cap pressures.

History

Historical Context

The NBA expanded from 11 teams in 1946 to 27 by 1988, adding the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat that year. This expansion allowed teams to protect players during drafts, influencing roster strategies. Currently, the league considers adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas, reflecting its ongoing growth and potential shifts in competitive balance and financial structures.

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Grant Leads Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-104 on March 20, 2026, as Portland forward Jerami Grant led with 26 points, including a late 3-pointer.
Portland built an 18-point lead, but Minnesota kept the game competitive without star Anthony Edwards.
Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 15 rebounds for Minnesota.
The win moved Portland into the Western Conference's eighth seed, and the team will next face the Denver Nuggets.

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