The Washington Wizards are in the middle of another long losing streak, but team officials remain optimistic about the future.

The Wizards hope to build on recent growth when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

Portland enters the matchup after losing two straight games, following a four-game winning streak. The Trail Blazers struggled offensively in their most recent outing, scoring a season-low 37 points in the first half of a 102-94 loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday.

Meanwhile, the rebuilding Wizards showed signs of progress despite falling 119-115 to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, marking their ninth consecutive loss.

Washington’s starting lineup — Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, and Will Riley — was the youngest in the NBA, with an average age of 20.64 years. That makes them the youngest starting lineup since the league began tracking the statistic in 1970-71.

George had a strong performance with 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists before exiting the game in the fourth quarter due to a left ankle injury. He is expected to play against Portland.

Johnson led the Wizards with career highs of 26 points and six assists in the loss. The 19-year-old rookie also made a career-best six 3-pointers.

“He’s been in our gym working on his craft,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “We know he can shoot and make plays for himself, but I’ve been really impressed with how he is involving his teammates.”

Despite his overall record of 36-129 as both interim and permanent head coach, Keefe has earned praise from team officials for helping develop the young roster.

“I think Brian has done a remarkable job,” said Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger. “He’s built a culture of competitiveness, accountability, togetherness and joy. I’m very, very pleased with the job that Brian has done.”

Washington will begin a five-game homestand against a Portland team that fell behind 32-11 after the first quarter against Boston on Monday.

Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 19 points, while Toumani Camara added 18.

Portland’s leading scorer, Deni Avdija (26 points per game), missed his second straight game due to a lower back strain but is expected to be available on Tuesday.

Rookie guard Caleb Love scored 11 points against Boston and is averaging 15.4 points over 13 games this month.

“He’s really stepped up,” Portland interim coach Tiago Splitter said. “But what I’m most impressed with is the effort he has put in defensively. He doesn’t have the biggest wingspan or jump the highest, but he always puts in the effort.”

Love has scored in double figures in 17 of his last 18 games.

“I’m just trying to make the most of my opportunity,” Love said. “Until I get where I want to get — having my contract converted — I don’t want to get ahead of myself. But if I do get converted, it will definitely be a milestone that I’m going to be proud of, for sure.”

Portland swept the two-game series against Washington last season and has won 10 of the last 13 meetings between the two teams.

— Field Level Media/Reuters