Team Records: Sacramento (6-12) at Portland (8-11)

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

Vegas Line: Portland -6.5

Refs: James Capers, Olandis Poole, Sean Wright.

The Skinny: The Blazers return home from their seven game road trip to begin a season-long six game homestand.  The Blazers might have gone 2-5 on this trip but in the process they found an identity as a team that doesn’t know how to quit no matter how bleak a particular game looks.  The Kings come into this game fresh off a win over the Magic Friday night at home.  This is the first of three matchups between Portland and Sacramento this month.

Last Time They Met: The Blazers won their only non-OT road game of the season as they pulled away from the DeMarcus Cousin-less Kings in the third and didn’t look back. 

Projected Kings Lineup:

PF-Jason Thompson (Rider-5^th Season) 11 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG

SF-John Salmons (Miami (FL)-11^th Season) 7.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.4 APG.

C-DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky-3^rd Season) 16.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2 APG

SG-Tyreke Evans (Memphis-4^th Season)-15.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.7 APG.

PG-Aaron Brooks (Oregon-5^th Season)-7.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.2 APG.

Image Courtesy of nba.si.com

Player to Watch: DeMarcus Cousins (pictured at right)- Cousins is one of the bigger enigmas in professional basketball. Widely recognized as a talented player, his biggest problem has often been his inability to control his emotions, leading to among other things his suspension for yelling at a broadcaster that saw him miss the last game vs. Portland.  When he is on, however, he was on big time, averaging nearly a double-double and impressing at both ends of the court. He needs to have his emotions in check for the Kings to have a chance.

Did You Know?: In the 1920s, the franchise that would later become the Sacramento Kings was founded in Rochester, NY as the Rochester Seagrams, named after the local Seagrams distillery

Song of the Day: “Homeward Bound” by Simon and Garfunkle-After a long road trip its great to have the Blazers back home, and this song celebrates how home is the best place to be.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles), SG Will Barton (D-League), SF Victor Claver (D-League), Probable-SF Nicolas Batum (Back), PF Joel Freeland (Eye).

Sacramento: Questionable-SG Tyreke Evans (Knee).                                                              

Re-Evaluating Sacramento: Portland South?:

There may be no franchise with more Portland connections than the Sacramento Kings.  Besides their President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie (the 1970-71 rookie of the year for Portland), the Kings also employ several other former Blazers.  GM Wayne Cooper played for the Blazers from five seasons in two different stints and assistant coach Jim Eyen was an assistant for Portland from 1997-2001.  Oh and lets not forget ex-Blazer Travis Outlaw, who now plays for Sacramento.  While this means little, it is still interesting that the opposing NBA team closest to Portland also has deep ties to Portland itself.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if:  They are focused.  This is a team Portland should beat if they are ready to go.  Assuming Batum plays, there is no reason Portland can’t simply win if they show up with reasonable effort.

Sacramento wins if: They score at least 20 fast break points.  The Kings are not a great offensive team.  They will need to get a lot of easy baskets to have a shot against Portland.

Team Records:  Portland (8-10) at Indiana (9-9)

Game Info: 4 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Indiana -4

Refs: Marc Davis, Sir Allen Conner, Sean Corbin

The Skinny: After a thrilling come from behind victory in Charlotte Monday, the Blazers look to close out their seven game road trip with their third straight win.  They come in to face a Pacers team that has is returning home from a 2-2 road trip that culminated Tuesday night with a hard-fought win in Chicago. The Pacers have been inconsistent so far this season, due in no small part to Danny Granger’s patella tendonitis, which has already kept him out a month and is projected to keep him out possibly as long as two more.

Last Season: The Pacers won the only meeting between the two last season, which took place in Indianapolis.

Projected Pacers Lineup:

PF: David West (Xavier, 10^th season) – 17.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.5 APG

SF: Paul George (Fresno State, 3^rd season) – 13.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.4 APG

C: Roy Hibbert (Georgetown, 5^th season) – 9.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.4 APG

SG: Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati, 3^rd season) – 7.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.5 APG

PG: George Hill (IUPUI, 5^th season) – 14.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.3 APG

Image Courtesy of mysanantonio.com

Player to Watch: Paul George (pictured at right) – There were many who may have wondered what exactly Indiana was thinking when they selected Paul George in the 2010 NBA draft.  Turns out the Pacers knew exactly what they were doing.  George has exploded onto the scene last year, literally, as his amazing dunking abilities have earned him the attention of NBA fans leaguewide (and earned him a spot in the 2012 dunk contest).  He is a very good finisher inside and is capable of the occasional explosive performance (such as Tuesday’s 34 point outburst in Chicago).  Strangely for a player that attacks the basket so much, he doesn’t tend to shoot a lot of FTs and is okay when he does (around 78%).  He still turns the ball over a bit too much and his defense is not quite there yet but both are improving.  Give him time and George clearly has the physical talents to become one of the NBA’s most exciting players.

Did You Know?: When he was 13 years old, future Pacers head coach Frank Vogel appeared on the “Stupid Human Tricks” segment of the David Letterman show for his ability to spin a basketball on the end of a toothbrush while brushing his teeth with the same toothbrush at the same time.  Sadly, I wasn’t able to find video of this online.

Song of the Day: “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Ballard MacDonald and James F. Hanley-Sometimes you just have to go with a classic.  This is one of those times.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out –SG Elliot Williams (Achilles).

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

Indiana’s Game:

When the only team that ranks below you in offensive efficiency is the Wizards, that’s a problem.  Such is the case for the Pacers this year.  They are one of the worst offensive teams in the league, and try to compensate for it by playing a slow pace and leaning on their strong defense (which ranks first in defensive efficiency).  The reasons for their offensive struggles are myriad, they don’t pass the ball well on offense, they turn it over too much and much like the Blazers last year, a lot of their players seem to be having below average seasons at the same time (perhaps, most notably, Roy Hibbert).  On defense, however, they have no such problems and are strong in virtually every single facet on that end of the court.  They hold opponents to a low shooting percentage and limit second chances better than perhaps anyone in the league.  About the only thing they don’t excel at is forcing turnovers.  When the Pacers win, its ugly and low scoring, but if you make them run and match you bucket for bucket, they almost always fall.

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: Portland (7-10) at Charlotte (7-8)

Game Info: 4 PM-TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM

Vegas Line: Charlotte -1.5

Refs: Tony Brothers, Tre Maddox, Michael Smith.

The Skinny: Nicolas Batum saved the day and ended a four game losing streak with that amazing shot to give Portland the 2 OT win over the Cavs Sunday night.  The Blazers now look to build off on that with a visit to one of the NBA’s early surprises, the Charlotte Bobcats.  After setting an NBA record for worst winning percentage last season, the Bobcats have already equaled last season’s win total and look to be building a heck of a lot faster than one would’ve thought.

Last Season: The Blazers won the only matchup between the two teams, which took place in Portland.

Projected Bobcats Lineup:

PF-Byron Mullens (Ohio State-4^th Season) 12.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 APG.

SF-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky-Rookie)-10.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG.

C-Brendan Haywood (North Carolina-12^th Season)-6.4 PPG, 7 RPG, .6 APG

SG-Jeffery Taylor (Vanderbilt-Rookie)-8/1 PPG, 2.3 RPG, .8 APG.

PG-Kemba Walker (Connecticut-2^nd Season)-16.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.9 APG.

Image Courtesy of zimbio.com

Player to Watch-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (pictured at right)-Sure the Bobcats wanted his teammate Anthony Davis but MKG isn’t a bad backup plan.  He has quickly established himself as a strong defensive presence with a high motor who is tough and aggressive at all times.  On offense, MKG does a good job drawing fouls and scoring close to the rim, even if his outside shot needs a little work.  Still, much like Charlotte as a whole, he has developed far more quickly than would have been thought and with his physical gifts, if he is this solid now, give him a few years and he could be a star.

Did You Know?: The Bobcats are the only current NBA team to have never won a playoff game.  They were swept in their only playoff appearance.

Song of the Day: “The Anthem” by Good Charlotte.  Yes, Good Charlotte is not actually from Charlotte (they’re from Maryland) but it’s a good one.   Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles)

Charlotte: Out-PF Tyrus Thomas (Calf), Questionable-SG Gerald Henderson (Foot).

Charlotte’s  Game:

Yes Charlotte has a good record and yes they have grown more quickly than one would have thought be in a sense, all of that is a mirage.  Charlotte has won lots of close games, going 4-1 in games decided by 3 or less and has feasted on weak opponents, going 6-3 versus teams below .500.  Statistically, neither their offense nor their defense is that impressive.  Offensively, they struggle to score at times, seemingly going too fast for their own good and too often settling for outside shots.  They do, however, do a good job getting to the line, ranking among the league leaders in free throws attempted.  On defense, the outlook is a little better, but not much.  Charlotte has the worst defensive rebounding percentage in the league, meaning they allow opponents way too many second chance opportunities.   They may not allow a high percentage but they give up a lot of shots, and thus they can be beaten if you willing to crash the glass.  Bottom line, the Bobcats are better but probably by not as much as their record indicates.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They score 100 points.  The Bobcats are not a great offensive team and so if Portland can top the century mark, they should win.

Charlotte wins if: They outrebound Portland.  This is not likely to happen but if it does, it will be a sign Charlotte is in control and will probably come out with a win.

Team Records: Portland (6-10) at Cleveland (4-12)

Game Info: 4:30 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Portland -1.5

Refs: Ed Malloy, Mark Lindsay, Leon Wood.

The Skinny: The Blazers seem to be playing a game of “how can we manage to look and play worse than we did the previous game?”  Every game it seems Portland finds new and excruciating ways to look awful.  They get a chance to break that trend tonight as they face the short-handed Cavs in Cleveland.  The Cavs come into this game fresh off a hard fought victory over the Hawks in Atlanta Friday.

Last season: The Blazers won the only meeting between the two teams, which took place in Portland.

Projected Cavaliers Lineup:

PF: Tristan Thompson (Texas, 2^nd season) – 8.9 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.3 APG

SF: Alonzo Gee (Alabama, 4^th season) – 11.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG

C: Anderson Varejao (Brazil, 9^th season) – 14.5 PPG, 14.9 RPG, 3.2 APG

SG: Dion Waters (Syracuse, Rookie) – 15 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.9 APG

PG: Jeremy Pargo (Gonzaga, 2^nd season) – 10.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3 APG

Image Courtesy of zimbio.com

Player to Watch: Anderson Varejao (pictured at right) – Even in the midst of another horrible start for the Cavs as a team, it is impossible to ignore what Anderson Varejao has done.  Simply put, Varejao has become an absolute beast on both ends of the court, putting up massive numbers and keeping the Cavs in games they would otherwise lose handily.  On offense, Varejao moves well without the ball and knows how to finish, even if he lacks a real post game.  On defense, he is a high-energy annoyance and a pesky defender.  More than anything else, however, he gobbles up rebounds like no one in the NBA outside of Kevin Love.  He might have been consistently injured throughout his career but as long as he’s healthy, he’s pretty amazing.

Did You Know?: Cleveland was named the Cavaliers after a contest sponsored by the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper. The other finalists were “Jays”, “Foresters” and “Presidents.”

Song of the Day: “It Sucks to Be Me” from the musical “Avenue Q”.  It sucks to be a Blazer fan this past week but this song should serve to remind you that you’re not alone (and that others have it worse).  Enjoy:  

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles)

Cleveland: Out – PG Kyrie Irving (Finger)

Cleveland’s Game:

What do you get if you combine poor offense with almost as bad defense?  Sadly the answer so far this season has been the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Cavs have struggled mightily on both ends of the court, ranking near the bottom in both offensive and defensive efficiency.  On offense, their shooting is slightly below average but their real problem is they don’t really share the ball and they turn it over way too much.  On defense, the Cavs are, to put it politely, passive, allowing an even worse shooting % than the Blazers.  Cleveland wins when they either have a really good night on offense or an abnormally good night on defense.  Since that hasn’t happened much, they have struggled and the injury to rookie of the year Kyrie Irving just exacerbated the problem.  Even with their win in Atlanta last night, the Cavs look to be headed nowhere fast.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They play as they are capable.  Look, I don’t know what the hell the Blazers have been doing since the start of the fourth quarter of the Nets game but whatever it is, they need to stop it.  The Cavs are not as good as Portland and if the Blazers show up as they are capable, they will win.

Cleveland wins if: They hold Portland under 90 points.  Cleveland sucks on defense but the way Portland has been struggling on offense the past few games, does anyone want to be they actually hit 90?  Me neither, if the Cavs can hold Portland below 90, they will win.

Team Records: Portland (6-9) at Boston (8-7)

Game Info: 4:30 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Boston -5

Refs: Bennett Salvatore, Pat Fraher, Leroy Richardson

The Skinny: After seemingly hitting rock bottom with a loss to the previously winless Wizards, the Blazers travel to Boston in search of a rare win in Beantown.  The Celtics are coming off a blowout loss to the Nets two days ago and are without PG Rajon Rondo following his suspension due to a fight with Kris Humphries during Boston’s loss.  Boston has been up and down so far this year, beating OKC two games ago but also losing to Detroit and Milwaukee.

Last Season: Boston won the only matchup between the two teams last year, which took place in Boston.

Projected Celtics Lineup:

PF: Brandon Bass (LSU, 8^th season) – 10.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, .9 APG

SF: Paul Pierce (Kansas, 15^th season) – 19.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.9 APG

C: Kevin Garnett (Farragut Academy (HS), 17^th season) – 15.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.6 APG

SG: Jason Terry (Arizona, 14^th season) – 11.1 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.8 APG

PG: Leandro Barbosa (Brazil, 10^th Season) – 6.5 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 1.5 APG

Image Courtesy of masslive.com

Player to Watch:  Jason Terry (pictured at right) – After winning a title in Dallas in 2011, Jason Terry (better known as JET, for his name, Jason Eugene Terry, and for the airplane dance he does after making a big shot) took his talents to Boston this offseason.  Terry has always been one of the faster players of the league and a solid, if inconsistent, long range shooter but when he’s on, watch out.  On defense Terry still struggles but at least has decent hands and can force a steal or two at times.  On a team as strong defensively as Boston,  however, this flaw can be more easily hidden so that his offensive firepower can be showcased.

Did You Know?: Paul Pierce has played 1040 games with the Celtics, the third most in team history behind John Havliceck and Robert Parish.

Song of the Day: “MTA” by the Kingston Trio-A famous song about Boston’s beloved and hated subway system which exemplifies the experience for anyone who has ever had the “pleasure” of riding the “T”:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles)

Boston: Out – PG Rajon Rondo (Suspension), PG Avery Bradley (Shoulder), Questionable-SF Jeff Green (Knee).

Boston’s Game:

After a season that came up one game short of the finals, Boston said goodbye to the most prolific 3 point shooter of all time, Ray Allen, and welcomed in JET.  The result on offense has been arguably better than they expected.  After ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring last year, the Celtics are now 10^th in offensive efficiency, but they are still heavily dependent on the currently suspended Rajon Rondo to make their offense work.  On defense, the Celtics are a decent squad, better than their stats because when the Celtics lose, they tend to lose big (5 of their seven losses have been by more than 10 points while they have only won one game by more than 10).  Bottom line, Boston may not be an elite team anymore but they are still pretty damn good.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: Pounce on Boston early.  Without Rondo and with a team that, when they lose loses big, the Blazers best hope will be to get a big lead on Boston early and hope the Celtics decide coming back isn’t worth the effort.

Boston wins if: They outscore Portland in the paint. Boston is primarily a perimeter jump shooting team.  If they beat Portland in the paint, it will be a sign they are dominating the game.

Team Records: Portland (6-8) at Washington (0-12)

Game Info: 4 p.m., TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Portland -3

Refs: Derrick Stafford, David Guthrie, James Williams

The Skinny: After a bad loss Monday in Detroit, the Blazers travel to the nation’s capital looking to avoid being the first team to lose to the Wizards this season.  The Wizards have come close a few times this year, most notably in a game against the Bobcats last weekend where an apparent game winner came a fraction late but have yet to actually win a single game.  The good news for Wizards fans is they are still six games away from tying the NBA record for longest losing streak to open a season, which was set when the 2009-10 NJ Nets started the year 0-18.

Last Season: The Blazers split the season series with the Wizards with each team winning on the road. 

Projected Wizards Lineup:

PF: Kevin Seraphin (France, 3^rd season) – 11.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, .9 APG

SF: Trevor Ariza (UCLA, 9^th Season) – 7.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG

C: Emeka Okafor (Connecticut, 9^th season) – 7.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, .9 APG

SG: Bradley Beal (Florida, Rookie) – 11.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2 APG

PG: AJ Price (Connecticut, 4^th season) – 9.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.4 APG

Image Courtesy of washingtonpost.com

Player to Watch: Bradley Beal (pictured at right) – It has not been the start Bradley Beal would have hoped for.  The third overall pick in the 2012 draft was seen as a very good shooter and someone who could step right now and contribute immediately.  Instead, Beal has struggled mightily from the field so far this season, shooting 32% from the floor (which also happens to be the same % he is shooting from deep).  When he gets to the rim, he can score but other than that it’s a better than even chance that he’ll miss.  Beal is a good rebounder for a player his size and on defense he is improving, if he is still generally adjusting to the NBA.  There really is no place but up for Beal, and hopefully he will get a big boost when John Wall comes back from injury.

Did You Know?: The Wizards have shot a higher % than their opponent only once this season, in a 1 point OT loss to Atlanta.

Song of the Day: “Magic Dance” by David Bowie from the 1986 cult classic Labyrinth. It is pretty much the opposite of the Wizards so far this season as it is a great song.  Enjoy: 

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliot Williams (Achilles)

Washington: Out – PG John Wall (Patella), Questionable-PF Trevor Booker (Knee), C Nene (Foot), PG Shaun Livingston (Shoulder).

Washington’s Game:

The Washington Generals famously had a 2,499 game losing streak in their matchups against the Harlem Globetrotters.  Thankfully for the Wizards, they are nowhere near that (and never will be) but it sure as hell might feel like it.  The Wizards are simply atrocious on defense, ranking dead last in offensive efficiency and true shooting % (the later by over 1.5%).  They simply struggle to score the ball from almost anywhere on the court and can go cold in a heartbeat.  Their defense, on the other hand, is okay, ranking in the middle of the league.  They do a good job rebounding and holding the opponent to a reasonable percentage.  Their defense should win them games but their sheer offensive ineptitude so far this season hasn’t allowed them to do so.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They deliver an early knockout blow. You can’t let a team that hasn’t won a game this year think they have a chance.  The best course of action is to knock them out early.

Washington wins if: Hold Portland under 90 points.  A very difficult ask but if the Blazers are sloppy as they were Monday, its not impossible to see the Wizards finally winning one Wednesday.

Team Records: Portland (6-7) at Detroit (3-11)

Game Info: 4:30 PM-TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Detroit -1.

Refs: Bill Spooner, Bennie Adams, Kevin Cutler.

The Skinny: Following a game in which Portland simply ran out of gas in the fourth and faded in Brooklyn, the Blazers continue their long road trip in Detroit.  The Pistons are coming off a trashing by the Knicks last night, although they have been playing .500 ball as of late after starting 0-8.  The Blazers look to get all-star LaMarcus Aldridge back today after he missed Sunday’s game with back spasms.

Last season: The Pistons won the only matchup between the two teams last year, which took place in Detroit.

Projected Pistons Lineup:

PF-Tayshaun Prince (Kentucky-11^th Season)-12.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 APG.

SF-Jason Maxiell (Cincinnatti-8^th Season) 9.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, .5 APG.

C-Greg Monroe (Georgetown-3^rd Season)-17.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 3.5 APG

SG-Kyle Singler (Duke-Rookie)-8.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, .6 APG.

PG-Brandon Knight (Kentucky-2^nd Season)-11 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.2 APG.

Image Courtesy of mlive.com

Player to Watch: Greg Monroe (Pictured at right)-It may have gone unnoticed last season largely because he played for a bad and boring Detroit team but Monroe built on a strong rookie season with an improved second one.  Monroe is not the most athletic player in the world and so may not have a lot of long-term upside but he makes the most of what he has.  He is a great passer for a big man and does a good job at finishing at the rim, although he does have a tendency to get his shot blocked quite often.  On defense, he is a very good rebounder but often gets abused by bigger players.  This is perhaps because Monroe physically is not really a center but more of a power forward.  He has blossomed this season, averaging nearly a double double and otherwise being a ray of light in what has otherwise been another lost season for the Pistons.

Did You Know?: Greg Monroe holds the NBA’s longest active streak of games with five rebounds or more, having done so in the last 105 games.

Song of the Day: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder-Detroit has a great history of amazing music.  This song is among the best this city has ever produced.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles), Questionable-PF LaMarcus Aldridge (Back).

Detroit: None.

Detroit’s Game:

There are bad teams that are somewhat entertaining, Detroit is not one of them. The Pistons are both bad and ugly to watch, especially on offense.  Detroit runs one of the least efficient offenses in the NBA.  They also turn the ball extremely often and have only topped the century mark twice this season.  Detroit has yet to even hit 100 points in any game so far this season.  On defense they are decent and significantly improved from last season.  Their defense keeps them in games but in the end their offense routinely lacks the firepower to win them.  If they could finish games, they would have won more than three so far this year.  If the Blazers come down the stretch with a lead, they will almost certainly be able to hold onto it against this bunch.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They are focused.  Detroit is an awful team.  If the Blazers are focused, they should be able to win this one fairly easily.

Detroit wins if:  They make lots of threes.  When Detroit has won this year, they have gotten hot from deep.  They will have to do so again to have any hope Monday.

Team Records: Portland (6-6) at Brooklyn (7-4)

Game Info: 12 PM-TV on CSNNW, Radio on 1190 AM and 102.3 FM.

Vegas Line: Brooklyn -6

Refs: TBA

The Skinny: The Blazers begin a long seven game road trip with their first ever visit to New York City’s largest borough.  The new look Nets are off to a great start at home, winning all but one of their home games so far (their only loss was to Minnesota) and are looking to be serious contenders out east this season. 

Last Season: The Blazers won the only meeting last season, which took place in Portland.

Projected Nets Lineup:

PF-Kris Humphries (Minnesota-9^th Season)-7.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, .7 APG.

SF-Gerald Wallace (Alabama-12^th Season)-7.3 PPG, 4 RPG, 3 APG.

C-Brook Lopez (Stanford-5^th Season)-19.4 PPG, 6 RPG, .9 APG

SG-Joe Johnson (Arkansas-12^th Season)-15.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.1 APG.

PG-Deron Williams (Illinois-8^th Season)-16.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 8.2 APG.

Image Courtesy of cbssports.com

Player to Watch-Gerald Wallace (pictured at right)-It has not been the greatest start to the season for “Crash” as he has struggled both to overcome nagging ankle injuries and to produce much on offense in particular.  His scoring is down, and more than that his shooting percentage is down, he’s not shooting as many FTs as he typically has and his rebounding is off his career pace.  One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is his defense.  He is still a great lockdown defender and in the slow paced approach the Nets use, that’s not entirely a bad thing. 

Did You Know?: Head Coach Avery Johnson holds the highest wining percentage as a head coach in NBA history (thanks to his time in Dallas).

Song of the Day: “Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z-Jay Z is, of course, a minority owner of the Nets and so it makes sense to use one of his best songs.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles).

New Jersey: Out-PF Tornike Shengelia (Thumb).

New Jersey’s Game:

Remember Nate McMillan’s Blazer teams?  Well the Nets are pretty much like that. They are the slowest paced team in the NBA by a fairly sizable margin but are highly effective on offense, and to a lesser extent on defense.  They share the ball on offense and get open for good shots.  About the only thing they don’t do well on offense is make three pointers.  On defense, they allow a decent percentage and play good defense without fouling.   The Nets do best in an ugly game and worst in a fast-paced track meet.  It will be Portland’s job to make sure that the later happens Sunday.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if:  They score 100 points.  The Nets cannot keep up if the Blazers display their typical offensive efficiency, such as they displayed Friday night.  If they can top the century mark, Portland should find themselves above .500 come Sunday night.

New Jersey wins if: They limit Portland’s 3 point effectiveness. Portland wins when they make 3 pointers, when they don’t it can ugly.  If the Nets can make Portland ineffective from deep, they will win.

Team Records: Minnesota (5-5) at Portland (5-6)

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

Vegas Line: Portland -2.5

Refs: Joe Crawford, Derrick Collins, Tre Maddox.

The Skinny: This was supposed to be a night for celebration, the night that Brandon Roy returned to Portland.  Instead, Roy underwent his seventh knee surgery on Monday and may never play in the NBA again.  Regardless, especially with the return of Kevin Love in Minnesota’s last game, the injury-plagued Wolves drag themselves into town off a loss at home vs. Denver two nights ago.  The Blazers come in having had their three-game win streak snapped in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Last Season: Minnesota won the season series 2-1  Prior to last season, the Blazers had won sixteen straight vs. the Wolves.      

Projected Timberwolves Lineup:

PF: Kevin Love (UCLA, 5^th Season) – 34 PPG, 14 RPG, 2 APG

SF: Andrei Kirilenko (Russia, 11^th season) – 13.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3 APG

C: Nikola Pekovic (Montenegro, 3^rd season) – 14.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, .9 APG

SG: Malcolm Lee (UCLA, 2^nd Season) – 3.6 PPG, 2 RPG, 1.5 APG 

PG: Luke Ridnour (Oregon, 10^th season) – 11.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.7 APG

Image Courtesy of zimbio.com

Player to Watch:  Luke Ridnour (pictured at right) – The Oregon alum has managed to carve himself out a nice career in the NBA, and is even a starter, at least until Ricky Rubio comes back.  Ridnour is one of the league’s best at shooting the midrange jumpers and can hit a floater or two as well.  He does a decent job on defense, but struggles against bigger players.  He also struggles finishing at the rim.  Still, he is a decent player and at least a serviceable stopgap for the time being.

Did You Know?: Thanks to all the injuries this season, the Wolves have been forced to use five different starting lineups this year.  The only two to start every game are Kirilenko and Ridnour.

Song of the Day: “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys in honor of Kevin Love”s uncle, and Beach Boys founding member, Mike Love:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out – SG Elliott Williams (Achilles), Questionable-JJ Hickson (Shoulder Sprain).

Minnesota: Out-SF Chase Buddinger (Meniscus), SG Brandon Roy (Knee), PG Ricky Rubio (ACL/MCL).

Minnesota’s Game:

As Portland fans, we can certainly relate to what Minnesota has been going through so far this year, with injuries seemingly coming in bunches, the lineup a patchwork at best and the once bright hopes for the future seemingly dashed by the injury gods.  Yet, thanks to a steady hand by Rick Adelman and a bit of luck, the Wolves have made it through at least the first part of this rocky storm in decent shape.  Minnesota’s defense is good, and they rank fourth in the league in defensive efficiency so far this season.  However, their offense is less successful and while Kevin Love’s return might help that a fair bit, they need more than Love to see them through.  The Wolves rely on one or two other players getting hot on any given night.  On nights that works, they win, but on nights that fails, like four of their last five games, they lose. Bottom line, the Wolves might be headed in the right direction by the end of this season but for now they are decidedly stuck in neutral.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: They win the rebounding battle.  With Kevin Love back, the Wolves are suddenly a very good rebounding team.  If the Blazers can win this battle, or even just keep it close, they should prevail.

Minnesota wins if: They hold Portland under 100 points.  This Blazers team scores points, this Wolves team struggles to.  If the Wolves can keep the Blazers fans from walking out of the building with free chalupa coupons, they stand an excellent chance of winning.

Team Records: Portland (5-5) at Phoenix (4-7)

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

Vegas Line: Phoenix -2

Refs: Bill Kennedy, Kane Fitzgerald, Eli Roe.

The Skinny: Following a third straight win Sunday at home vs. the Bulls, the Blazers hope to make it four in a row as they visit the Valley of the Sun.  The Suns have lost three straight coming in, although given that those are to Chicago, the Lakers and Miami, it’s hardly surprising.  Still, frustration has been building for the team as it continues its first season post-Steve Nash.

Last Season: The Suns won the season series 2-1, winning both games in Phoenix and losing the only game in Portland.

Projected Suns Lineup:

PF-Luis Scola (Argentina-6^th Season) 14.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.8 APG.

SF-Michael Beasley (Kansas State-5^th Season)-13.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.8 APG.

C-Marcin Gortat (Poland-5^th Season)-11 PPG, 9.8 RPG, .6 APG

SG-Jared Dudley (Boston College-5^th Season)-8.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.5 APG.

PG-Goran Dragic (Slovenia-5^th Season)-11.5 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 8.7 APG

Image Courtesy of examiner.com

Player to Watch-Marcin Gortat (pictured at right)- The so-called “Polish Hammer”, Gortat seemingly does it all for the Suns inside.  He is a solid defender with strong shot-blocking ability, even if he loses focus at times.  On offense, he is mobile and can either roll to the hoop or hit the mid range J.  Yet, not all is happy for Gortat as of late, as he has loudly expressed his displeasure with the team’s play in recent days.  Nonetheless, he is certainly someone the Blazers will have to play close attention to tonight.

Did You Know?: The Suns are the winningest franchise never to win an NBA Championship.

Song of the Day: “Life Won’t Wait” by Ozzy Osbourne-Phoenix’s own rock star signing one of his best songs.  Enjoy:

Injury Updates:

Portland: Out-SG Elliot Williams (Achilles)

Phoenix: Out-PF Channing Frye (Enlarged Heart)

Phoenix’s Game:

Even without Nash, not much has changed for the Suns.  The Suns are basically the same team they have been the past few seasons, just with a younger core.  They are an offense-first group, playing a free flowing style relying heavily on three pointers, which almost everyone on the team can make.  On defense, they have only won once this season holding an opponent under 100 and that was against the woeful Detroit Pistons.  Their defense is, to put it charitably, not good.  The Suns may be dangerous on any one night because they still possess a fire amount of offensive firepower but those nights are few and far between nowadays and their defense makes it hard for them to win when they aren’t making their shots.

The Bottom Line:

Portland wins if: Hold Phoenix under 100 points.  The Suns are going to give up a fair number of points but they will also probably score a fair bit as well.  If Portland can keep Phoenix under the century mark, they should make it four in a row.

Phoenix wins if: They have a good night from deep.  Phoenix relies heavily on the three point shot to win games.  If they can make them on Wednesday, they should be able to stop Portland’s winning streak at 3.