Subscribe Feed (RSS)Tonight at the Rose Garden, you’re going to be looking at a veteran team fighting for its playoff life. And its heart is barely beating. The Suns come in needing this one bad. Real bad.
And even though Phoenix played last night at home, I expect the Suns to bring full effort to this game. If they lose, they’re in deep trouble.
The Blazers, on the other hand, don’t need the game quite as badly, but they need it. You don’t want to lose back-to-back games at home and more important, you want to put the Suns in your rearview mirror right here and now. Bury them. If you don’t, it’s going to be like one of those zombie flicks, where these guys keep getting out of the coffin and coming at you for the rest of the season.
For the Blazers, it’s actually pretty simple: Take care of the ball, run when the opportunity presents itself and make the Suns defend, something they don’t do well. Make them work hard at the defensive end and you’ll see the effects of the back-to-back thing. At the other end, do not leave their outside shooters open. Don’t give up open threes and deny penetration.
Simple? If the Blazers win this game, the playoffs a virtual lock. Lose it and the odds will still say the playoffs are there – but it becomes a lot tougher deal.
Tags: Dwight Jaynes, Phoenix Suns, playoffs, Portland Trail Blazers
This game makes me nervous. I have a bad feeling about it. Plus, its on TNT, which never helps. Although it will be cool to see Shaq and Oden playing against each other. Hope the “Red Out” goes well.
On another subject – Why does the “5 Man Race” for MVP include Chris Paul? I can think of a half a dozen impact players (Including B-Roy, who is averaging more points) who deserve it more than Chris Paul.
Definitely a big game for both teams. The Suns play a lot of zone so Portland will have a chance to get a lot of second chance points. Oden, Joel and Lamarcus could all be huge factors on the offensive glass. I think Portland needs this one. Every game from here on out is a playoff game and they have a chance to improve their position so there’s pressure to win. They’ve had trouble with PHX in recent years and I think it’s important that they prove to themselves that they are better than them. The Blazers beat them at home earlier in the year but it was a hard fought victory and B. Roy exploded for 52 pts.. I’m expecting the blazers to show some fire and win by double digits. I am a little nervous about this one though.
Everyone is worried about HOME COURT, but which TEAM gives Portland a chance to advance to Second round of playoffs? Regardless of home court advantages.
A) Los Angles
B) San Antonio
C) Houston
D) New Orleans
E) Utah
F) Denver
G) Dallas
I think Houston would be matchup that Favors Blazers.
The playoffs start tonight.
Right after Memphis-Missouri, which matters a lot more.