Spring Break
First round possibilities
Ben Bradea
Issue date: 4/6/09 Section: Sports
The Blazers have been on a tear of late, winning eight of their last 11 games, not including last night's game, as they have been preparing for their first playoff run in six years.
The last time the Blazers were in the playoffs, the stage was set for the biggest comeback in playoff history, down 3-0 to the Dallas Mavericks and forcing a game seven in Dallas. It wasn't meant to be, as the Mavericks knocked off the Blazers in that final game.
It has been so long since the Rose Garden has been on fire like that, and if you've never been at the Rose Garden during a playoff game, I strongly urge you to be a part of it this year. The euphoria is incredible and something every basketball fan should experience.
So is there a possibility that the Blazers could win a playoff series this year?
It all depends on the opposing team match-up and, more importantly, if the Blazers have home-court advantage. The Blazers are a dismal 1-12 on the road against the top Western Conference teams this year. Home court advantage would be a huge step towards winning a series, but will only be determined in about two weeks.
I think the Blazers will not go into the playoffs with this advantage, so, for the sake of conversation, let's assume they won't.
So what is the best match-up for the Blazers?
Looking at the type of teams the Blazers struggle with can narrow down this desired list. The most significant issue for the Blazers' struggles is a lock-down defender that guards Brandon Roy. With this in mind, the Blazers would probably not enjoy meeting the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. They have a deadly defensive combination with Ron Artest and Shane Battier.
The Lakers and the Spurs can be thrown out as desired opponents as well. The Lakers are by far the best team in the Western Conference and have blown out the Blazers twice in Los Angeles this year. The Spurs look to be somewhat vulnerable this year as their age is definitely catching up to them, however they are still a veteran-savvy team finally getting healthy at the right time in the season.
The last time the Blazers were in the playoffs, the stage was set for the biggest comeback in playoff history, down 3-0 to the Dallas Mavericks and forcing a game seven in Dallas. It wasn't meant to be, as the Mavericks knocked off the Blazers in that final game.
It has been so long since the Rose Garden has been on fire like that, and if you've never been at the Rose Garden during a playoff game, I strongly urge you to be a part of it this year. The euphoria is incredible and something every basketball fan should experience.
So is there a possibility that the Blazers could win a playoff series this year?
It all depends on the opposing team match-up and, more importantly, if the Blazers have home-court advantage. The Blazers are a dismal 1-12 on the road against the top Western Conference teams this year. Home court advantage would be a huge step towards winning a series, but will only be determined in about two weeks.
I think the Blazers will not go into the playoffs with this advantage, so, for the sake of conversation, let's assume they won't.
So what is the best match-up for the Blazers?
Looking at the type of teams the Blazers struggle with can narrow down this desired list. The most significant issue for the Blazers' struggles is a lock-down defender that guards Brandon Roy. With this in mind, the Blazers would probably not enjoy meeting the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. They have a deadly defensive combination with Ron Artest and Shane Battier.
The Lakers and the Spurs can be thrown out as desired opponents as well. The Lakers are by far the best team in the Western Conference and have blown out the Blazers twice in Los Angeles this year. The Spurs look to be somewhat vulnerable this year as their age is definitely catching up to them, however they are still a veteran-savvy team finally getting healthy at the right time in the season.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.