Preview: Trail Blazers Visit Suns in Sunday Showdown PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Portland Trail Blazers look to halt a recent slide and avenge two earlier losses when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Mortgage Matchup Center. Portland (27-30) enters on a two-game skid, including a 157-103 home defeat to Denver on Friday. The Trail Blazers have lost three of their last four. Phoenix (32-24) also seeks a bounce-back performance after a 121-94 road loss to San Antonio on Thursday, which snapped a brief two-game win streak. The Suns have won both meetings this season, including a 130-125 victory in Portland on Feb. 3. In that game, Phoenix held off a late rally to secure the win. A key matchup will feature Portland forward Deni Avdija against Phoenix guard Jalen Green. Avdija is coming off a triple-double effort in the loss to Denver, posting 15 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists. Over his last five games, he is averaging 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists. Green led the Suns with 26 points in their recent loss to the Spurs and provides a dynamic scoring threat on the perimeter. Portland’s inconsistency has been marked by defensive lapses, allowing an average of 128.3 points over their last three losses. The Suns, meanwhile, have struggled offensively at times, failing to reach 100 points in two of their last four contests. For the Trail Blazers, center Donovan Clingan (15 points, nine rebounds vs. Denver) and guard Jrue Holiday (19 points) will look to provide supplemental scoring. Phoenix will rely on center Mark Williams, who recorded a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) against San Antonio. The game begins a challenging stretch for both teams. Following this contest, Portland embarks on a five-game road trip, while Phoenix prepares to host Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers next week. Sunday’s tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. EST).