Post by Portland on Nov 16, 2006 1:52:11 GMT -5
Riding on the backs of Jason Kidd and Carmelo Anthony, the Portland Trailblazers find themselves back in the playoffs and looking to make a run. Being matched up against the reigning champs Houston Rockets and their league leading record have given some reason to completely discount the Blazers and any hope of an upset. However, Portland and their fans have high hopes and bolstered confidence for a few key reasons: The first being the recent 114-110 victory over the champs in which Kidd put in 26 points and Melo added 22. The second and most substantial reason for the Blazers’ upset aspirations are the injuries of Rocket big men Jermaine O’neal and Ben Wallace. With their absence and the success of veteran pickup Joe Smith and second year Eddy Curry the Blazers will surely look to pound the ball inside on the injured rockets. Let’s take a look at the starting lineup match-ups between these teams:
Center: Eddy Curry vs. Brad Miller
Following a breakout rookie season Eddy Curry finds himself in a starring role for his team. Averaging 13.1 points, 8.4 boards, and 2.2 blocks, he has become an interior force both on offense and defense. He’s put up 14.6 points 9 boards and 3.3 blocks against the Rockets this season.
Brad Miller has always been a defensive anchor for his team. Averaging 2.6 blocks in less than 25 minutes he has an interior presence that isn’t easily overlooked. He averaged 8 points 9.5 boards and 1.25 blocks on the Blazers.
Power Forward: Joe Smith vs.
Joe Smith has added some greatly needed veteran leadership for the Blazers. With his great defensive and rebounding skills paired with his ability to score at will inside make him the perfect double threat. He only played 2 games against the Rockets as a Blazer, but was the team’s leading scorer in both and averaged 29 points 15 boards and 3.5 blocks.
Here we find a rare weakness for the Rockets. With JO out for the series, they find themselves with a shortage of options here. We expect to see Duane Causwell as the starter but may also see some time from rookie Jackson Vroman, and maybe even Ed O’Bannon. This match-up looks to be the key of the series and the source of Portland’s hopes.
Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony vs. Paul Pierce
Melo has been a spark for the Blazers during his rookie season. He came fresh out of the draft and was put into a key role, and has excelled there. His athleticism and ability to explode to the basket have helped carry this team to where they are now. He averages 16.5 points 4.8 boards and 1.8 assists against the Rockets.
Paul Pierce is one of the best inside-outside threats in the league. With his ability to drive to the hole or knock down the 3 make him a task for anyone to guard. He shoots 49% from the field and 43% from behind the arch. Averages 20.5 points 4.75 boards and 2.3 assists versus the Blazers.
Shooting Guard: Garrett Johnson vs. Ray Allen
The Blazers take a risk here starting yet unproven rookie guard Garrett Johnson at the 2, but they like what they have seen from him even with his limited minutes. They say his defensive quickness should help the team keep up with superstar Ray Allen. He put up 7.5 points 3.3 boards and 3.3 assists against the Rockets.
Ray Allen was a star as soon as he touched his first basketball. He is proficient in every aspect of the game – he can score at will, dish to the open man, crash the boards, and cause endless trouble on defense. He has averaged 25.5 points 5.2 boards and 3.2 assists against the Blazers this season.
Point Guard: Jason Kidd vs. Chauncey Billups
Believed to be a total bust by some, Jason Kidd came into Portland and has helped turn this team around. Winning countless Player of the Game awards this season, he has fit perfectly with the Blazers and is thriving as their floor leader. His passing ability has few rivals and was tied for 4th in the league with 9.3 assists a game. He put up 16.3 points 7 assists and 2.5 steals against the Rockets.
Chauncey Billups is one of the premier point guards the league has ever seen. With his handles and passing he makes his teammates better, and in crunch time can take over a game with his high scoring abilities. He has always been a playoff beast, and will look to carry his injury plagued team to the 2nd round. He averaged 16.5 points 8 assists and 2.2 steals facing the Blazers.
There you have it. Assuming Causwell starts and that season trends hold true the starting lineup score will be Blazers: 84 Rockets: 72. Is that the outlook for the series? Can the underdog Trailblazers upset the reigning champs? Only time will tell.
Center: Eddy Curry vs. Brad Miller
Following a breakout rookie season Eddy Curry finds himself in a starring role for his team. Averaging 13.1 points, 8.4 boards, and 2.2 blocks, he has become an interior force both on offense and defense. He’s put up 14.6 points 9 boards and 3.3 blocks against the Rockets this season.
Brad Miller has always been a defensive anchor for his team. Averaging 2.6 blocks in less than 25 minutes he has an interior presence that isn’t easily overlooked. He averaged 8 points 9.5 boards and 1.25 blocks on the Blazers.
Power Forward: Joe Smith vs.
Joe Smith has added some greatly needed veteran leadership for the Blazers. With his great defensive and rebounding skills paired with his ability to score at will inside make him the perfect double threat. He only played 2 games against the Rockets as a Blazer, but was the team’s leading scorer in both and averaged 29 points 15 boards and 3.5 blocks.
Here we find a rare weakness for the Rockets. With JO out for the series, they find themselves with a shortage of options here. We expect to see Duane Causwell as the starter but may also see some time from rookie Jackson Vroman, and maybe even Ed O’Bannon. This match-up looks to be the key of the series and the source of Portland’s hopes.
Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony vs. Paul Pierce
Melo has been a spark for the Blazers during his rookie season. He came fresh out of the draft and was put into a key role, and has excelled there. His athleticism and ability to explode to the basket have helped carry this team to where they are now. He averages 16.5 points 4.8 boards and 1.8 assists against the Rockets.
Paul Pierce is one of the best inside-outside threats in the league. With his ability to drive to the hole or knock down the 3 make him a task for anyone to guard. He shoots 49% from the field and 43% from behind the arch. Averages 20.5 points 4.75 boards and 2.3 assists versus the Blazers.
Shooting Guard: Garrett Johnson vs. Ray Allen
The Blazers take a risk here starting yet unproven rookie guard Garrett Johnson at the 2, but they like what they have seen from him even with his limited minutes. They say his defensive quickness should help the team keep up with superstar Ray Allen. He put up 7.5 points 3.3 boards and 3.3 assists against the Rockets.
Ray Allen was a star as soon as he touched his first basketball. He is proficient in every aspect of the game – he can score at will, dish to the open man, crash the boards, and cause endless trouble on defense. He has averaged 25.5 points 5.2 boards and 3.2 assists against the Blazers this season.
Point Guard: Jason Kidd vs. Chauncey Billups
Believed to be a total bust by some, Jason Kidd came into Portland and has helped turn this team around. Winning countless Player of the Game awards this season, he has fit perfectly with the Blazers and is thriving as their floor leader. His passing ability has few rivals and was tied for 4th in the league with 9.3 assists a game. He put up 16.3 points 7 assists and 2.5 steals against the Rockets.
Chauncey Billups is one of the premier point guards the league has ever seen. With his handles and passing he makes his teammates better, and in crunch time can take over a game with his high scoring abilities. He has always been a playoff beast, and will look to carry his injury plagued team to the 2nd round. He averaged 16.5 points 8 assists and 2.2 steals facing the Blazers.
There you have it. Assuming Causwell starts and that season trends hold true the starting lineup score will be Blazers: 84 Rockets: 72. Is that the outlook for the series? Can the underdog Trailblazers upset the reigning champs? Only time will tell.
