Team Records: Portland (25-24) at Houston (27-24)

Game Info: 5 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM

Vegas Line: Houston -7.5

Refs: Marc Davis, Mark Ayotte, Sean Wright

The Skinny: The Blazers look to rebound from a loss in Dallas Wednesday as they face perhaps their most important game of the year in Houston.  The Blazers and Rockets are locked in a tight battle for the final playoff spot and a win would give Portland that all important season series tie breaker (since Portland already won the first 2 meetings between the two early in the year).  Houston is coming off a loss to Miami but scored 140 and hit an NBA-record tying 23 3s in a win over Golden State earlier this week.

Last Time They Met: The Blazers forced OT and then dominated once they got there, pulling out to a big lead and then holding on late when the Rockets rallied.  Lillard took over when it mattered, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter and OT to lead Portland to the win.

Projected Rockets Lineup:

PF: Patrick Patterson (Kentucky, 3^rd season) – 11.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 APG

SF: Chandler Parsons (Florida, 2^nd season) – 14.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.7 APG

C: Omer Asik (Turkey, 3^rd season) – 10.3 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1 APG

SG: James Harden (Arizona State, 4^th season) – 25.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.6 APG

PG: Jeremy Lin (Harvard, 3^rd season) – 12.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.2 APG

Image Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org

Player to Watch:  Jeremy Lin (pictured at right) – There have been few more unexpected and amazing feats than that pulled off by Jeremy Lin during last season.  Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Jeremy Lin had as amazing a two-week run as the NY’s starting PG as you are ever likely to see.  Even though a knee injury ended his season shortly thereafter, Lin had completely turned his career around, from a bench warmer to a highly paid star. After New York refused to match Houston’s offer sheet, Lin found himself headed to Houston.  The results this year have been mostly okay so far, nothing special but very solid for a starting PG in the NBA.  It isn’t Linsanity but regardless, no one will ever think of Lin as an afterthought again, he is here in the league to stay.

Did You Know?: Houston entered this season as the youngest and least experienced team in the league on average, although you certainly wouldn’t know it by their record.

Song of the Day:  “Free Bird by Lyndrd Skynyrd-Sometimes you just want to yell FREE BIRD!  This is one of those times  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), Questionable-SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot), PG Ronnie Price (Ankle)

Houston: Probable-SG Carlos Delfino (Elbow)

Re-Evaluating Houston: On Blowouts

During the closing moments of Houston’s blowout win over the Warriors on Tuesday night, many Warriors fans complained openly that Houston was still shooting 3s, trying to break the NBA record for 3s made in a game.  While good sportsmanship is of course always something we want to practice, in reality my view has always been, if you don’t want to get blown out, you should play better.  That being said, since Golden State and Houston will meet again this year, it is perhaps not advisable to run up the score given that doubtless Golden State will remember their loss and put in extra effort to beat the Rockets.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They limit second chance points.  The Rockets, especially Asik, feast on second chance opportunities.  If the Blazers can limit those, they should be able to make life difficult for Houston and come out with a win.

Houston wins if: They make their 3s  The Rockets don’t have to make 23 3s to beat Portland, far from it, but if they can shoot a reasonable percentage in making 10-15, they should prevail.

Team Records: Portland (25-23) at Dallas (20-28)

Game Info: 5:30 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 620 AM

Vegas Line: Dallas -5.5

Refs: James Capers, Derrick Collins, Olandis Poole

The Skinny: The Blazers look to make it three wins in a row as they head to Dallas for the second of their season-defining six game road trip.  The Mavericks badly need a win to retain any hope of making the playoffs.  Dallas comes into this game fresh off a shellacking at the hands of the OKC Thunder.

Last Time They Met: Portland erased a 21-point third quarter lead and LaMarcus Aldridge scored five points in the final five seconds of the game to give the Blazers an epic come from behind victory.

Projected Mavericks Lineup:

PF: Dirk Nowitzki (Germany, 15^th season) – 14.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.5 APG

SF: Shawn Marion (UNLV, 14^th season) – 11.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.6 APG

C:  Bernard James (Florida State, Rookie) – 3.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, .1 APG

SG: OJ Mayo (USC, 5^th season) – 17.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.4 APG

PG: Darren Collison (UCLA, 4^th season) – 12.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.2 APG

Image Courtesy of espn.com

Player to Watch:  Vince Carter (pictured at right) – It has been a long often bumpy ride for the player once considered one of the most exciting in the NBA.  Carter might have lost the physical prowess that allowed him to put up amazing dunk after amazing dunk but he is still a fairly good player.  Carter is a decent outside shooter and has good handles on offense.  He is also a decent passer, although when his shot isn’t falling he tends to dig himself a deeper hole by not passing the ball and trying to shoot his way out of it.  Carter is a decent defender if he’s into it but he often isn’t.  Bottom line, he may no longer be Vinsanity but he’s still a decent player.

Did You Know?: Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle’s next win will be his 500^th career coaching win.  Carlisle will be the 28^th NBA coach to accomplish this feat.

Song of the Day: “Hit the Road Jack” by Percy Mayfield as performed by Ray Charles-Since we are in his hometown, I thought best to go with something Aldridge loves.  Many of you might not know but Aldridge plays the piano and his favorite pianist is Ray Charles.  Here is one of Ray’s best.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), Questionable –SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot), PG Ronnie Price (Ankle)

Dallas: Out-C Chris Kaman (Concussion), Questionable-SG Vince Carter (Illness).

Re-Evaluating Dallas: Aldridge’s Dallas Dominance

Dallas native LaMarcus Aldridge often seems to play his best ball against his home town club.  Both of his career buzzer beater winners are against them (one last week and one last year in double OT in Dallas) and indeed generally Aldridge plays best when facing the Mavericks. In 22 career regular season games against the Mavericks, Aldridge is averaging 21.6 points (his 2^nd most against any team (22.9 versus Detroit) on 52% shooting, as well as 8.3 rebounds a game.  Given how strong a team Dallas has been during LMA’s career, this is no small feat for him.  Now if only we could trick him into thinking he was playing Dallas every night…

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They limit Dallas’s 3 point shooting.  The Mavs live and die by the jump shot.  Make them attack you inside and they become far less effective.  If Portland can do so, they should win.

Dallas wins if: They hold Portland under 90 points.  The Mavs typically win because of good defense.  If they can hold Portland under 90, they will almost certainly prevail Wednesday.

Team Records: Portland (24-23) at Minnesota (18-26)

Game Info: 5 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM

Vegas Line: Minnesota -2.5

Refs: Rodney Mott, Brent Barnaky, Tony Brown

The Skinny: Fresh off a come from behind win against Utah Saturday night, Portland begins a season-defining six game road trip against the Wolves.  Portland is looking to take advantage of a Minnesota team decimated by injuries.  Since the two teams last met, the Wolves have gone 2-11. 

Last Time They Met: The Blazers took a big lead through three and held on as Minnesota made a late charge.  Portland tied a franchise record with 16 made 3s in the win.      

Projected Timberwolves Lineup:

PF: Derrick Williams (Arizona 2^nd Season) – 9.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, .4 APG

SF: Andrei Kirilenko (Russia, 11^th Season) – 13.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.1 APG

C: Nikola Pekovic (Montenegro, 3^rd Season) – 15.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, .9 APG

SG: Luke Ridnour (Oregon, 10^th Season) – 11.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4 APG

PG: Ricky Rubio (Spain, 2^nd Season) – 5.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 5.4 APG

Image Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org

Player to Watch:  Ricky Rubio (pictured at right) – Halfway through last season, there was no question Rubio was worth the wait for Wolves fans as he was everything that was promised and then some.  Rubio looks and plays like a prototypical point guard.  Always finding the open man for the shot, fast to the hoop and taking decent care of the ball on offense.  Then he got injured midway through last season and his road back has been long and quite bumpy.  His assists are still at the same rate as they were last year but his turnovers are up and his shooting, already poor at only 35.7% last year, has declined to an even worse 31%.  Still, if he can stay on the court, you can bet he’ll be able to shake off the rust and get back to the amazingly fun player he was last season.

Did You Know?: The Wolves have already lost 180 games to injury this year, by far tops in the NBA.

Song of the Day: “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson.  If the Blazers want to make the playoffs they’ll have to do well on this six game road trip, so this song seemed appropriate.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), Questionable-SG Wesley Matthews (Ankle), PG Ronnie Price (Ankle), SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot).

Minnesota: Out-SF Chase Buddinger (Meniscus), SG Brandon Roy (Knee), SG Malcolm Lee (Knee), PF Kevin Love (Hand).

Re-Evaluating Minnesota: On Injuries

Look I know I wrote my piece for the Minnesota preview last time on injuries but the unmistakable fact for the Wolves this season, as it was for the Blazers the past few years, is that injuries are headline for this time.  After starting out reasonably well despite being without the game’s best rebounder, Kevin Love, the Wolves have hit the skids as the injuries have piled up.  What was once a team that many, including yours truly, would have bet heavily would make the playoffs is looking like its headed for yet another NBA Lottery.  Good coaching, and Rick Adelman is a good coach, can overcome injuries for a while but past a certain point is hard to either make up for the players you are missing or the chemistry you don’t get because your lineups are so variable game to game.  Here’s hoping Minnesota can escape this injury-filled season without further harm.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They do a good job defending the 3 point line. Without Love, Minnesota mainly is able to win or stay close in games because they make a lot of 3s.  If Portland can limit that, they should win.

Minnesota wins if: They hold Portland under 90 points.  This Wolves team doesn’t have a great, or even good, offense but if they can keep Portland in check (not unreasonable given the team’s noted offensive struggles on the road), they should win this.

Team Records: Utah (26-21) at Portland (23-23)

Game Info: 7 PM-TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Portland -4.5

Refs: Bill Spooner, Kevin Cutler, Violet Palmer

The Skinny: After losing in typical Blazers fashion Friday night, Portland looks to bounce back as they face the Jazz in the second half of a home and home.  Portland will likely be without Wesley Matthews, who sprained his ankle during the third quarter of Friday’s loss.   This is Portland’s last home game before they head out for a six game road swing that will run until the all star break.

Last Time They Met: Utah took a big lead and Portland closed but never really threatened as the Jazz won. 

Projected Jazz Lineup:

PF-Paul Millsap (Louisiana Tech-7^th Season) 14.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.5 APG.

SF-Marvin Williams (North Carolina-8^th Season)-8.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1 APG.

C-Al Jefferson (Prentiss (HS)-9^th Season)-17.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2 APG

SG-Randy Foye (Villanova-7^th Season)-11.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2 APG.

PG-Jamaal Tinsley (Iowa State-10^th Season)-4.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 5.1 APG.

Image Courtesy of usatoday.com

Player to Watch: Paul Millsap (pictured at right) – A few years ago Portland signed Paul Millsap to an offer sheet and although Utah matched the offer, it is easy to see why the Blazers wanted him. Millsap is one of the top mid-range shooters in the NBA and can also finish around the rim. Although he can’t create his own shot (nearly all of his attempts are assisted), he still has the ability to get in the right place to catch a pass in perfect scoring position. He is an excellent rebounder and does a good job staying in front of the opposition on defense. Where he struggles, however, is that he does not possess particularly long arms, so he does not block shots and struggles on defense against players with length. Still, Millsap may not be a star but he’s a solid player on a good team.

Did You Know?:  The Jazz are one of only three teams to have never lost 60 games in a season. (The other two are the NY Knicks and the LA Lakers.)

Song of the Day: “Sal Tlay Ka Siti” from the Musical “Book of Mormon”-A song from the hilarious musical “Book of Mormon”, this song talks about the mythical Salt Lake City in the eyes of a young Ugandan girl.  Enjoy::

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), Questionable-PF Joel Freeland (Gastroenteritis), SG Wesley Matthews (Ankle).

Utah: Out-PG Mo Williams (Thumb), Doubtful-SG Gordon Hayward (Shoulder).

Re-Evaluating Utah: Home is Where the Wins Are

As with Portland, Utah has almost always been a much tougher home team than road team.  Thus far this year they are 17-5 at home and 9-16 on the road.  While the Jazz defense allows exactly the same number of points on the home as on the road (99.3), they are six points worse on offense on the road.  Whether it is the youth of the team, the power of the crowd pushing them to perform or something else, they are a different, and far, better, team at home.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They get something resembling balance on offense.  Lillard can’t do it alone, the rest of the team has to step up if the Blazers are to win it, especially without Wesley.

Utah wins if: They score 100 points.  Without Wesley, Portland isn’t likely to be able to score a lot of points.  If Utah can hit 100, they will almost certainly win.

Team Records: Portland (23-22) at Utah (24-21)

Game Info: 6 PM-TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Utah -5.5

Refs: Ed Malloy, John Goble, Scott Twardoski

The Skinny: Fresh off the Aldridge miracle win over the Mavs on Tuesday, the Blazers begin a crucial back to back home and home against the only team they haven’t faced this NBA season, the Utah Jazz. Utah rebounded with a solid win over the Hornets a few days ago after suffering a team-worst 45-point home loss to Houston on Monday.  The Jazz and Blazers will meet again in Portland Saturday night.

Last Season: The Jazz swept the Blazers 4-0.  Utah has won the last four and eight of the last nine, season series versus Portland. 

Projected Jazz Lineup:

PF-Paul Millsap (Louisiana Tech-7^th Season) 14.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.5 APG.

SF-Marvin Williams (North Carolina-8^th Season)-8.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1 APG.

C-Al Jefferson (Prentiss (HS)-9^th Season)-17.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2 APG

SG-Randy Foye (Villanova-7^th Season)-11.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2 APG.

PG-Jamaal Tinsley (Iowa State-10^th Season)-4.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 5.1 APG.

Image Courtesy of zimbio.com

Player to Watch-Al Jefferson (pictured at right)-It was a long time to go between playoff appearances for Jefferson, making the playoffs as a rookie with Boston to making the playoffs with Utah last season.  In between Jefferson got a reputation as a player who put up stats but didn’t necessarily help your team win.  Jefferson is devastatingly effective on the left block, but only the left block, and is having a good year on offense.  He rarely turns the ball over and is a good rebounder for his position.  On defense, he is questionable at best but if part of an otherwise strong defensive lineup, he can be hidden pretty well.  Jefferson is a key reason Utah is back in the playoff hunt this season.

Did You Know?: The Utah Jazz have only missed the playoffs four times since the 1983-84 season and have only had a losing record once during that span.

Song of the Day: “Time of Your Life” by Green Day-This season has certainly been one hell of a ride for the Blazers so I thought I’d break out one of my favorite songs.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), PF Joel Freeland (Gastroenteritis).

Utah: Out-PG Mo Williams (Thumb), Doubtful-SG Gordon Hayward (Shoulder).

Utah’s Game:

Much like Portland, one might question how they have a winning record with a losing point differential, especially since they have had difficulty closing out games well.  The answer lies in their balance.  The Jazz don’t have a true star, Millsap is their best player and he wasn’t at all close to making the all star game this year.  Instead, they have a collection of players who are cobbled together into a mix that somehow works.  They do an especially good job converting second chance opportunities.  It’s a good thing they have a decent offense because their defense is not so good, ranking 24^th in defensive efficiency.  Still, the Jazz are more than the sum of their parts, are always difficult to beat at home and will be a tough task for Portland to overcome.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They make Utah rely on isos on offense.  The key to Utah’s offense, especially Millsap’s, is passing.  If Portland can force Utah to beat them 1 on 1, they will probably be able to walk out with a win.

Utah wins if: They do well from deep. Utah has a bench full of good 3 point shooters.  If they can take and make a good number of 3 pointers, they should be able to get the win.

Team Records: Dallas (19-25) at Portland (22-22)

Game Info: 7 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Portland -2.5

Refs: Monty McCutchen, David Guthrie, James Williams

The Skinny: The Blazers look to close out a crazy January with a win against the aging Mavericks.  Portland has won two of three since breaking out of their six game losing skid.  Dallas has been playing .500 ball as of late but baring a huge push looks out of the playoff race.

Last Time They Met: Dallas broke open a close game early in the fourth and went on to win handily, outscoring the Blazers 31-12 in the final stanza.

Projected Mavericks Lineup:

PF: Dirk Nowitzki (Germany, 15^th season) – 14.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.4 APG

SF: Shawn Marion (UNLV, 14^th season) – 10.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.6 APG

C:  Bernard James (Florida State, Rookie) – 3.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0 APG

SG: OJ Mayo (USC, 5^th season) – 17.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.2 APG

PG: Darren Collison (UCLA, 4^th season) – 12.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.1 APG

Image Courtesy of NBA.com

Player to Watch:  Dirk Nowitzki (pictured at right) – Dirk makes no sense as a player, he’s tall but he’s not a great rebounder, nor does he bang inside and his jump shot form shouldn’t be emulated by anyone, ever.  Yet, for many years he has been one of the most consistently successful players in the NBA by realizing that just because everyone else does things a certain one doesn’t mean he has to.  Dirk has a devastating mid-range jumper and his one-legged fadeaway is both unblockable and extremely frustrating when he nails it over you.  He hasn’t gotten back to his usual form yet this year, as Dirk is still clearly recovering from his pre-season injuries but he’s still a damn good player and one you have to watch night in and night out.

Did You Know?: Dirk Nowitzki is 18^th all time on the scoring list, just behind Patrick Ewing. He passed Allen Iverson in 19^th during their last game.

Song of the Day: “You Shook Me All Night Long” by ACDC-A few years ago a Dallas reporter asked Dirk to show him the most played songs on his IPod.  #1 on Dirk’s last was this song.  Dirk explained “That one gets me pumped up.  I listen to it in the gym, especially, and sometimes before a game. AC/DC just has this raw energy that I try to tap into.” (Link:http://www.dallasobserver.com/2006-03-30/music/dirk-s-little-secret/full/).  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), Questionable –SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot).

Dallas: None.

Re-Evaluating Dallas: Fun with Mark Cuban

There may be no more polarizing owner in the NBA than Mark Cuban but, in my view, there may be no more fun owner in the NBA than Cuban.  You may deny it, but Cuban is living the dream.  He made his money and now he’s enjoying the fruits of his labor, hanging out with sports stars, being a true fan and dropping $110k on a celebration at a Miami nightclub the night they won the title two years ago.  He’s mellowed a bit over the years but he is still that fun loving, polarizing, ref baiting figure of old, living life and just enjoying the ride.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They limit Dallas’s 3 point shooting.  The Mavs live and die by the jump shot.  Make them attack you inside and they become far less effective.  If Portland can do so, they should win.

Dallas wins if: They hold Portland under 90 points.  The Mavs aren’t the strongest offensive team in the world.  They can’t win if Portland tops 100, but they almost certainly should if they can hold the Blazers under 90.

Team Records: Portland (22-21) at Portland (32-13)

Game Info: 6:30 PM-TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: LA Clippers -6.5

Refs: Mike Callahan, Matt Boland, Haywoode Workman

The Skinny: After winning in thrilling fashion Saturday night, Portland travels to LA to complete the back to back home and home vs. the Clippers.  The Blazers will face a Clippers team that has now lost four in a row and is looking for revenge against the reenergized Blazers.

Last Time They Met: The Blazers closed the game on a 10-0 run to erase a 9 point Clippers lead and won a thriller at the Rose Garden.  Batum got his second triple double of his career (and the second in five days) in the win.

Projected Clippers Lineup:

PF-Blake Griffin (Oklahoma-3^rd Season) 18.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.4 APG.

SF-Caron Butler- (Connecticut-11^th Season)-9.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1 APG.

C-DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M-5^th  Season)-8.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, .4 APG

SG-Willie Green (Detroit Mercy-10^th Season)-6.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, .9 APG.

PG-Eric Bledsoe (Kentucky-3^rd Season)-8.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.7 APG.

Image Courtesy of nba.si.com

Player to Watch-Eric Bledsoe (pictured at right) – Bledsoe has seemingly been in the shadow of others his entire career, beginning at Kentucky, where he was behind John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins and in the NBA where he is overshadowed by Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.  However, Bledsoe is a solid player in his own right and given his chance to play more this season, has flourished.  A lighting fast guard with the ability to get to the rim, Bledsoe isn’t the most efficient scorer (although he is shooting a career high 46% this year) but he is relentless, even if he turns the ball over way too often.  His real strength, however, is on defense, where he  has a great feel for the game and can certainly at least make life difficult for the opposing point guard.  He might not be a star but he is one to watch for sure.

Did You Know?: Last night’s game was the seventh all time meeting between Aldridge and Blake Griffin.  Portland is 5-2 in those games.

Song of the Day: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey-If there is an official theme song for this Blazers team it is this one.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles), SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot).

LA Clippers: Out-PG Chauncey Billups (Foot), PF Trey Tompkins (Bone Bruise), Doubtful-PG Chris Paul (Knee).

Re-Evaluating the Clippers: Some Surprising Observations on Offense:

One would think that “Lob City” would be a fast-paced offense focused on accumulating points in bunches via easy lob dunks on fast breaks; however, they would be wrong. One of the most surprising things about the Clippers so far this season is that they are not a particularly fast-paced offense, as they only rank 14th overall. What they are is a highly efficient offense. Their offensive efficiency rating is a sizzling 106.9.  The reason they are able to do this? They pass the ball to the right spot as well as anyone in the NBA, at least when Chris Paul is playing. As long as the Clippers don’t beat themselves by turning the ball over, they are tough to stop, if not exactly fast-paced, on the offensive end.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if:  They score 100 points.  The Blazers often struggle offensively on the road and following a thrilling win last night, they can be expected to perhaps struggle again.  Still if they can somehow get to 100 points, it should be enough to get the win.

LA Clippers win if: They make their 3s.   Portland was much more effective and efficient from deep  Saturday night.  If that trend can be reversed, the Clippers should get their revenge and win Sunday.

Team Records: LA Clippers (32-12) at Portland (21-21)

Game Info: 7 PM-TV on KGW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Portland -1.5

Refs: James Capers, Bennie Adams, Josh Tiven

The Skinny: After finally ending their long six game losing streak, the Blazers begin a back to back home and home against the Clippers Saturday night.  The Clippers have been struggling as of late as well, losing three in a row.  The Clippers will be without the services of Chris Paul, but are 3-2 without him this season.

Last Time They Met: The Clippers took control early and cruised home, winning by 13 in a game that wasn’t nearly that close.

Projected Clippers Lineup:

PF-Blake Griffin (Oklahoma-3^rd Season) 18.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.4 APG.

SF-Caron Butler- (Connecticut-11^th Season)-9.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1 APG.

C-DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M-5^th  Season)-8.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, .4 APG

SG-Willie Green (Detroit Mercy-10^th Season)-6.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, .9 APG.

PG-Eric Bledsoe (Kentucky-3^rd Season)-8.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.7 APG.

Image Courtesy of yougotdunkedon.com

Player to Watch-DeAndre Jordan (pictured at right) – We all know about Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, but the key to the Clippers success this season may well lie with their only legitimate center, DeAndre Jordan. Jordan does a few things very well and almost everything else poorly. He is a phenomenal shot blocker, rebounder and dunker, and he is a strong enough interior defender that most opponents don’t dare attack him directly close to the rim. However, he is one of the worst free throw shooters in the NBA, shooting a pathetic 43.8% from the line for his career. Nonetheless, he will be key for the Clippers if they are to beat Portland. 

Did You Know?: The only team in American or Canadian major pro sports to have played longer than the LA Clippers (who came into existence as the Buffalo Braves in 1970) and never reached their sport’s championship game/round is the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals of MLB (which began play only 1 year earlier in 1969).

Song of the Day: “Lob City” by Tyga-A popular rap/highlights video celebrating the Clippers and their “lob city” nickname.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles), SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot).

LA Clippers: Out-PG Chauncey Billups (Foot), PF Trey Tompkins (Bone Bruise), Doubtful-PG Chris Paul (Knee).

Re-Evaluating the LA Clippers: The Importance of the Deep Ball

We all know that the Clippers are known as “lob city” and for good reason because they produce their fair share of amazing lob dunks virtually every game.  Yet, what really separates wins from losses for the Clippers is their ability to open up these lobs by making deep shots, especially 3s.  When the Clippers win, they hit from deep but when they don’t, they lose.  They might have to get hot again Saturday to beat Portland in the first of the home and home.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if:  They limit LA’s 3 point makes.  The Clippers are going to get their dunks in but dunks alone will not win them games.  If Portland can limit their 3 point effectiveness, they should win Saturday.

LA Clippers win if: They outrebound Portland.  The Clippers can struggle to outrebound opponents at times, which seems odd given the players they have on their team.  If they can nonetheless manage to outrebound Portland they should be able to win Thursday.

Team Records:  Indiana (26-16) at Portland (20-21)

Game Info: 7 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 620 AM (moved due to Beaver basketball)

Vegas Line: Portland -1.5

Refs: Derrick Stafford, Derrick Collins, Mark Lindsay

The Skinny: Losing close games is one thing, losing them repeatedly is something else and losing on an off balance 3 at the horn after you had just hit a ridiculous shot to tie the game is about as low as anyone can get about any one game.  The Blazers have gotten in this pattern of falling behind, rallying late and coming up just short.  Hopefully they will be able to get it done this time against a Pacers squad that has won seven of their last nine.

Last Time They Met: The Pacers beat the Blazers into submission, holding Portland at bay for most of the game before a late Blazers run made it close but it was too little, too late for Portland to come back.

Projected Pacers Lineup:

PF: David West (Xavier, 10^th season) – 16.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.8 APG

SF: Paul George (Fresno State, 3^rd season) – 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.8 APG

C: Roy Hibbert (Georgetown, 5^th season) – 9.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.5 APG

SG: Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati, 3^rd season) – 7.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG

PG: George Hill (IUPUI, 5^th season) – 14.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.8 APG

Image Courtesy of spokeo.com

Player to Watch: Roy Hibbert (pictured at right) – Although they ended up not actually extending an offer sheet to restricted free agent Roy Hibbert, after Indiana made it clear they would match any offer, Portland made no secret of their desire to sign Hibbert.  Frankly it looks as if Portland lucked out as Hibbert’s career year last season appears, insofar as it goes this year, to be an aberration as his numbers have reverted back down to where he had been performing the first three years of his career.  Hibbert’s rebounding (which was never great to begin with) is slightly down, his shooting is way down, both from the floor and from the line (when a big man is shooting only 41.5% from the floor that’s a very bad thing), his turnovers are up and his PER is at the lowest level of his career.  Hibbert may have the talent to get it together but for now, it appears he has reverted rather than progressed.

Did You Know?: Although the Pacers have won three in a row and 12 of the last 17 over Portland, from 1976 (the year the Pacers entered the NBA) to 1993, Portland won 40 of 60 games vs. the Pacers, including 25 of 31 at home.

Song of the Day: “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty-This song seems appropriate for the Blazers right now as they have fallen into a six game losing streak and below .500.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out –SG Elliot Williams (Achilles), Questionable- SF Sasha Pavlovic (Foot).

Indiana: Out – SF Danny Granger (Left Patella Tendonitis).

Re-Evaluating Indiana: The Non Love of the Fans

The Pacers have a good team but you sure wouldn’t know it by the tepid support of the Indiana fans.  Despite making a thrilling ran through the playoffs last year and playing while despite the absence of their best player Danny Granger, the Pacers 26^th in the NBA in attendance, averaging only 14,452 fans per game, and filling only 75.1% of the seats.  This ranks below such NBA bottom feeders as the Wizards, Bobcats and Suns.  This is largely a historical trend for Indiana, which has always struggled to sell out in a state which is dominated by high school and college basketball.  Basketball might be the unofficial Indiana state sport but not at the professional level.  Hopefully this changes as the Pacers are certainly a team which deserves far more crowd support, here’s to hoping they get it soon.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They score 100 points.  This is not going to be an easy task but if they can manage to do it, they will almost certainly walk out with a win.

Indiana wins if: They record at least 20 assists. When the Pacers are doing well, it is the result of team offense and not iso one on one play.  If they hit the 20 assist mark, that will be a good sign they are flowing on offense and should come with the win.

Team Records: Washington (8-30) at Portland (20-20)

Game Info: 7 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Portland -6

Refs: Bill Kennedy, Matt Boland, Haywoode Workman

The Skinny: After a fifth straight loss on Saturday to the Bucks, Portland looks to right the ship and get back on track as they face the suddenly hot Wizards at home.  Don’t be fooled by the Wizards’s record, they have been playing much better as of late.  Washington is 3-2 in its last five games and have been close in both of their losses.  Oh and of course they already beat Portland once this year.

Last Time They Met: The Blazers gave the Wizards their first win of the season as they played a truly awful game, falling behind early and holding on late in a game that frankly Portland had no business even being in at the end. 

Projected Wizards Lineup:

PF: Nene (Brazil, 11^th season) – 12.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.5 APG

SF: Martell Webster (Seattle Prep (HS), 8^th Season) – 9.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.7 APG

C: Emeka Okafor (Connecticut, 9^th season) – 8.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.1 APG

SG: Bradley Beal (Florida, Rookie) – 13.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG

PG: AJ Price (Connecticut, 4^th season) – 8.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.7 APG

Image Courtesy of bigstory.ap.org

Player to Watch: John Wall (pictured at right) – John Wall finally returned five games ago from his serious patella injury and it has made all the difference in the world to the beleaguered Wizards.  Bradley Beal now has a player who knows how to pass the ball to him in the right position to shoot and make open 3s, they have someone who plays good defense and they have a player who can attack the rim seemingly at will on offense.  On offense, Wall is good when he tries to attack the rim but when he settles for jumpers he is less than spectacular and he still turns the ball over too often (although less than he did his first few years in the league).  On defense, Wall has quick hands and the ability to stay in front of players.  He will be another real challenge for Lillard Monday night.

Did You Know?: The Wizards are the only team in the NBA to have 11 different players record a double double this season.

Song of the Day: “My Boyfriend’s Back” by the Ravonettes-Wizards fans have to feeling pretty good now that John Wall is back and other teams need to watch out.  Enjoy: 

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliot Williams (Achilles), Questionable-C Meyers Leonard (Ankle)

Washington: Out – PF Cartier Martin (Knee)

Re-Evaluating the Wizards: The Joys of a Proper Point Guard

There is no question that the Wizards were a raging dumpster fire for much of this seasons, winning only 5 of their first 33 games and looking alternatively occasionally promising and hopeless, often in the same game.  Yet when John Wall came back, it all changed, and the question is why?  Well, there are three primary reasons.  First, you have a very good player to run your offense and one who has both the skill and vision to get the ball to teammates in the best position for them to score.  Second, you have a player who can drive it to the rim and score it himself, something that AJ Price certainly could not do.  Third and perhaps most importantly, you have a more than competent defender to place on the other teams’s point guard, a key need in a league that is seeing more and more good point guards come out every season.  In short, the Wizards turned from road kill to a team that you have to put up a good effort to beat, all because of the return of John Wall.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They lead after three quarters.  Portland can’t keep playing this game of falling way behind, making an insane comeback and hoping to get lucky in the end.  To beat the Wizards Monday they must take charge from the beginning and lead from ahead rather then come from behind.

Washington wins if: Hold Portland under 90 points.  A difficult ask but if the Blazers are sloppy as they were Saturday, its very possible to see the Wizards winning one Monday.