We caught up with Anfernee Simons ahead of tonight's contest to get a few thoughts on basketball, life, and giving back to the city where he grew up. When the Magic host the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 23, it’ll be a homecoming for one of the league’s brightest young stars – Anfernee Simons.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons has rediscovered his shooting touch just in time for his homecoming Thursday in Orlando, Florida. On Tuesday night, Simons shook off one of his worst scoring stretches to lead the Blazers with 24 points during a 116-107 win at the Miami Heat.

Simons has been upgraded from questionable to available Thursday despite dealing with lower back soreness. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 34.2 minutes across his previous 10 outings.

Anfernee Simons received an important injury update ahead of the Trail Blazers' game on Thursday night against the Magic.

As the NBA trade deadline on February 6 approaches, the Portland Trail Blazers face some tough decisions regarding the future of their roster. One name drawing

The Orlando Magic will travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Thursday, where the Magic will aim to end its four-game road losing streak. Portland (18-29) looks to defeat Orlando (24-24) for a second time this season after dominating 101-79 on Jan.

Anfernee Simons scored 21 points and the Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to three with a 100-79 victory over Orlando on Thursday night, spoiling the return of Magic forward Franz Wagner.

We caught up with Anfernee Simons ahead ... the kids you’re helping in Orlando? How does seeing them strive to reach their goals remind you of your own journey? Simons: Yes, of course.

The Portland Trail Blazers will play the Orlando Magic on Thursday night ... with multiple injuries heading into the game. Anfernee Simons is among the Trail Blazers listed on the injury report.

Simons has really elevated his game for the Trail Blazers. The team has won four of their last five contests, and Simons has been on fire for the month of January. Over his last 14 appearances, Simons has compiled averages of 20.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 3.9 three-pointers on 45.1 percent shooting from the field.

The Magic need perimeter scoring. They're on track to be the worst three-point shooting team in more than a decade and their offensive rating has been stuck in the NBA's bottom third since 2011-12. Complementing Banchero, Wagner and Suggs now could further open Orlando's window of contention.

Key moves the Portland Trail Blazers should make (and avoid) heading into the pivotal February 6th trade deadline.