NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers writer Rick Stella gives us his weekly Rick’s Picks, naming the All-Star performances showcased in Rip City. Damian Lillard, JJ Hickson, and Eric Maynor all put on the show in Minnesota, ultimately leading to all three of them receiving a selection to this week’s picks.
NWSB inside and Blazers blogger Jon Irwin reports on what he thinks are the odds for Portland players to bring home top NBA honors. Leading the way is Damian Lillard, who has a great shot at the rookie of the year award. LaMarcus Aldridge has a great resume for MVP, but is a long-shot in today’s NBA.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers writer Rick Stella gives us his weekly Rick’s Picks, naming the All-Star performances showcased in Rip City. The Blazers struggled this past week, but a few solid performances continue to give this team hopes for the postseason. LaMarcus Aldridge, JJ Hickson and Nicolas Batum earn All-Star recognition, while Meyers Leonard takes home honors for Dunk of the Week.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ Jan. 20 matchup with the Washington Wizards. Portland needs a win, and they need one now. For the first time in franchise history, they have lost five straight games by six points or less. All five games have seen the blazers attempt to come from behind, which means the team needs to establish momentum early. The key matchup is going to be between Damian Lillard and John Wall. Nicolas Batum and Meyers Leonard are day-to-day.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Jan. 15 matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Portland struggled out of the gates the last time they played the Cavs, but they’re a much-improved team this time around. If they want to prove they’re in a different class than Cleveland, they’ll have to play well right from the start. The key matchup in this one is going to be between star point guards Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving. Meyers Leonard and Anderson Varejao are both out with injuries.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ Jan. 4 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Portland is coming off a disasterous performance against the Toronto Raptors, and things aren’t getting any easier with a visit to a surging Memphis team. The key matchup in this one is between LaMarcus Aldridge and Zach Randolph. Meyers Leonard is out with a sprained ankle.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson previews Portlands contest against the New York Knicks. This will be the first meeting between these two teams this year, New York being heavily favored as many believe this is the year they can once again contend for a championship. Should the Blazers wish to solidify themselves as a legitimate playoff contender, they must play a sound game against an extremely dangerous and impressive team.
NWSB Writer Bryant Knox recaps the Portland Trail Blazers’ top plays throughout the early part of the 2012-13 NBA season. The Blazers have the potential to be one of the most exciting, young teams in the entire NBA. Their roster is full of energetic players, and the athleticism displayed on the floor is the reason they have highlights almost every night. Nicolas Batum, Luke Babbitt, Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard make the cut.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down Portland’s quarterly report. With a fourth of the NBA behind us, Portland’s performance is right about where it should be. The starters continue to push this team forward, while the bench continues to drag it back. After a torrid start to the NBA season Nicolas Batum’s production has taken a turn. There cannot be any doubt about Damian Lillard for rookie of the year.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down five questions Portland is facing on the young season. With 19 games in the bag—to the tune of a 8-11 record—there’s plenty for Portland to answer for. Can rookie sensation Damian Lillard keep it going? Will Nicolas Batum ever be good enough for his contract? Nicolas Batum looked ready for a breakout All-Star season. J.J. Hickson is enjoying a great season as Portland’s starting center.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Blazers vs Celtics matchup. The Headline: LaMarcus Aldridge comes alive, but a dominating Celtics defense holds Portland to 34 percent shooting in this ugly loss. L.A. and the bench show some great signs of life, but there’s never anything positive about 34 percent shooting.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Nov. 28 matchup with the Washington Wizards. Portland is coming off a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons, and a bounce-back win is needed against the worst team in the NBA. The battle between the starters and the battle between the bench units are two matchups to watch out for in Wednesday’s game. Meyers Leonard and Nene are both day-to-day.
