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Portland Trail Blazers Betting Preview: Defense-First Approach Under Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups wants his team’s identity to be built on defense—and the Portland Trail Blazers are putting their money where their mouths are.
Billups knows what a championship blueprint looks like. The former Finals MVP of the 2004 Detroit Pistons was twice named to the NBA’s All-Defensive team, and in April he signed a contract extension to continue leading Portland’s rebuild.
NBA Futures Odds – Trail Blazers Win Total (BetOnline)
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Under 34.5 Wins (-130)
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Over 34.5 Wins (-110)
Defensive Focus Sparked Momentum Last Season
The Blazers quietly stockpiled defensive-minded young talent, and the emphasis showed late in the 2024–25 campaign. Portland went 23-18 in the second half of the season, ranking among the NBA’s top five defensive teams during that stretch.
They finished 12th in the Western Conference, just three games shy of the play-in tournament. That’s a promising springboard heading into this year.
Of course, the West remains brutally competitive. If the Blazers want to crash the playoff picture, they’ll need to carry over that defensive identity.
Why Jrue Holiday Makes Sense
Some off-season moves raised eyebrows. Portland brought back Damian Lillard on a three-year, $42 million deal, even though he’s likely sidelined all season with an Achilles tear.
Then came the big one: trading 20-point scorer Anfernee Simons for 35-year-old Jrue Holiday. Critics saw it as a downgrade.
But viewed through the Blazers’ new lens, it makes perfect sense. Simons has always been a defensive liability. Holiday, a six-time All-Defensive selection, is one of the NBA’s best perimeter stoppers and a respected leader. He perfectly embodies the culture Billups is building.
Also gone is DeAndre Ayton. Despite solid numbers, his inconsistency and lack of defensive effort clashed with Portland’s new direction.
Defensive Depth Across the Roster
The Blazers now boast a roster full of defensive specialists:
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Toumani Camara – relentless forward, named Second Team All-Defensive last year.
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Matisse Thybulle – two-time NBA All-Defensive honoree, a proven disruptor on the wing.
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Robert Williams III – former All-Defensive big man, if healthy, adds rim protection off the bench.
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Donovan Clingan – rookie shot-blocker from UConn, already making an impact (1.6 BPG in 20 MPG).
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Yang Hansen – 7’1” CBA Defensive Player of the Year and league blocks leader, drafted in the first round.
With this mix, Portland has the size, length, and mindset to frustrate opponents and grind out wins.
Betting Verdict
The Blazers are far from contenders, but they’ve established a clear identity—something they lacked for years. With Billups steering a defense-first culture and Holiday leading the locker room, this team is built to compete every night.
Last season’s late surge wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of defensive buy-in.
Pick: OVER 34.5 Wins (-110)
Expect Portland to surprise and be in the mix for a play-in spot.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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