Blazers vs. Nuggets - Preview

I have no clue what is going on here. Is that a bocce ball?

This is a big game.

Correction: this is a big game for the Portland Trail Blazers. When the Denver Nuggets look in their rearview mirror and see Utah and Oklahoma City, not Portland. But for a Blazers team that has won five of their last six‚ a primetime matchup against the Nuggets is the first real test this team has seen in quite awhile. For Portland, a victory over Denver could kindle a late season run similar to last year’s 16-5 record down stretch. A loss would prove that it was the schedule (victories over New Jersey, Minnesota, Indiana, Memphis, and a Bosh-less Toronto) that is really responsible for Portland’s winning ways.

Sadly, the Nuggets love themselves some big games. So far this season Denver has blown out—not just beaten—the Mavs, Lakers, Hawks, and Thunder and have the most 20-plus point victories over opponents with a .600 (or better) winning percentage of any team in the NBA. Earlier this season they beat Dallas by 36 points and the Lakers by 26. You just don’t do that.

In splitting their previous two meetings this season—both at the Rose Garden—the Nuggets and Blazers both were carried by their respective star players. Carmelo Anthony scored 41 points during Denver’s 97-94 win on October 29th. Brandon Roy, feeling left out, joined the 40-point club when he dropped 41 as Portland unwrapped a 107-96 victory on Christmas night. For the first time in recent memory, Roy is well rested, while Anthony’s numbers have slowly tapered off as the season has progressed (31 PPG in October/Nov, 28.9 in December, 28 in January, then 24.5 in February). Then again, it’s difficult to complain about any player who scores 25 a game.

Kenyon Martin, on the other hand, is not doing as well as ‘Melo. (Why did the Google News report on Martin bring this as a result? That is as newsworthy as Greg Oden’s cameraphone habit.) Martin has left knee patella tendonitis (or worse) and he is riding the bench until MRI results come in. Marcus Camby is a game time decision with a sprained ankle. Portland will look to stretch their streak of six consecutive games with over 100 points scored, a very likely scenario considering that Denver is in the top ten when it comes to points allowed, giving up nearly 103 a night. Question is, will 103 points be enough for Portland?

Tip-off: 7:30pm
TV: ESPN
Las Vegas Line: Denver -6
TrueHoop Network Blog: Roundball Mining Company

Comments

[damon]

The time has come for the Blazers to show exactly who they are, and what it is they are made of. Everything appears to be in order. The rotation is set, the pecking order in place. Brandon appears to be relatively healthy. The weak side block party is out of control (Camby), and the passing lanes surveillance unparalleled (Batum). Veteran leadership is in place (Howard & Andre). LaMarcus has his silky jumper. Rudy will be running the floor. Bayless will be driving the lane.
This should be a good test as to their playoff readiness.
Portland should bring more energy and urgency to this contest as they need it more than the Nugs do.
This could be the game that propels the Blazers toward a deep playoff run- one they could surely make.
I love the way they are constructed, especially with two starters whose respective games do not require the ball to be remarkably effective (Camby & Batum). They might be new to the rotation but they have blended their talents seamlessly. It is a tribute to style, as much as team orientation.
Sure would like to have Oden coming off the bench in the playoffs though.
Either way, this is a stronger team than it was last year, and I expect another leap forward.

[milindian]

good post. correction: "But for a Blazers team that WAS won five of their last six" not "that HAS won five of their last six"?

[Ezra Ace Caraeff]

milindian—
Fixed it. Thanks for the catch. I was just so distracted by that Birdman photo.

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