NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Feb. 8 matchup against the Houston Rockets. These two teams have faced off twice this year, and Portland has come out on top both times. Each team is fighting for the final playoff spots out West, and the winner of this one will be that much closer to acheiving their goal of the postseason. The key matchup in this one is between J.J. Hickson and Omer Asik, although watching Wesley Matthews defend James Harden will be fun to watch for all fans.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Feb. 6 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The last time these two teams faced off, Dallas blew a huge second half lead, and Portland escaped with a victory. LaMarcus Aldridge proved to be the hero with his game-winning shot. This time, Portland is coming off a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves that saw them almost blow a big lead of their own. The key matchup is going to be between Damian Lillard and Darren Collison.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers Blogger Bryant Knox breaks down why LaMarcus Aldridge should be the starting center in Rip City. Despite being comfortable as the team’s power forward, advanced statistics show how valuable Aldridge has been at the center position throughout the 2012-13 season. The Blazers’ big man has stated that he wants to play alongside a dominant center, but if given the chance, he could be that imposing big that the team desperately needs.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Feb. 4 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This will be the third time that these two teams have faced off this year, and Portland is 2-0 in the series. In fact, since the 2008-08 season, the Blazers are 19-2 against Minnesota. The key matchup in this one is between J.J. Hickson and Nikola Pekovic. For Minnesota, Kevin Love and Brandon Roy are out with injuries. For PDX, Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews and Ronnie Price are all day-to-day.
NWSB insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Bryant Knox breaks down why Damian Lillard should have been elected to the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. Lillard is just a rookie, but he’s having a standout season. He’s a top-15 player in both points and assists, and he plays a style of basketball that caters to All-Star Weekend. Plus, imagine what he could do with Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant on his side.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Feb. 2 matchup against the Utah Jazz. This game is going to be the second of a back-to-back series. Portland failed to earn a vicotry in the first game of the home-and-home matchup, and they’ll look to get revenge just 24 hours after losing by nine points. The key matchup in this one is going to be between Damian Lillard and the rest of the Jazz point guards.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Feb. 1 matchup against the Utah Jazz. Portland is coming off an emotional comback win against the Dallas Mavericks, and they’ll need to keep momentum going if they hope to make the postseason. LaMarcus Aldridge will be matched up against both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap in this one. Whichever player he is facing will be the other half of the game’s key matchup.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Jan. 29 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The first time these two teams faced off, Dallas took advantage of an ugly fourth quarter by the Blazers. Portland is 15-1 on the year when they take a lead into the fourth quarter. This is going to be a battle between two good offenses and two bad defenses. The key matchup is going to be between Dirk Nowitzki and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Jan. 27 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. These two teams faced off at the Rose Garden just 24 hours prior to their matchup in L.A. Rip CIty won the game the first time around, but in the second of a tough home-and-home series, the Clippers and their home-court advantage will be tough to take down. The key matchup belongs to Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge.
NWSB Insider and Oregon Ducks blogger Bryant Knox explains why you should love the Mark Helfrich hiring as a Ducks fan. When Chip Kelly was hired as head coach, you had the feeling it wasn’t forever. He is now in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Helfrich is ready to take over. UO’s newest head coach is someone the team and its fan base can be proud of. He knows Chip Kelly’s system, he’s willing to throw the football and he is a Duck for life.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Jan. 26 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland is coming off a big win against the Indiana Pacers, but things aren’t getting any easier. This game is the first of a back-t-back against the Clippers, and defense will be a priority in both contests. The key matchup in this one is featuring Damian Lillard and Chris Paul. Paul is day-to-day at this point, so Eric Bledsoe may be taking his place.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Jan. 23 matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The Blazers are in the midst of their longest losing streak of the season, and they’re facing an Indiana team that has defeated its last five West Coast opponents, including the Memphis Grizzlies twice. The key matchup can be found at the small forward position between Paul George and Nicolas Batum. Damian Lillard and Danny Granger are questionable.
