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 Jan. 5 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rip City has had both highs and lows on the current road trip, and it’s tough to tell which team is going to show up against the Wolves Saturday night. Nicolas Batum could be primed for a big game. The key matchup in this one is between Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge. Love and Ricky Rubio are both quesitonable.
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 Writer Bryant Knox breaks down what New Year’s resolutions the Portland Trail Blazers must make as we enter 2013. The Blazers need better play from their bench, less minutes from their starters and an improved two-man game between LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. The team also needs to win the winnable games, and Neil Olshey needs to decide which direction this team is going.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Portland’s easy victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. Not at all resembling the team that lost to a mediocre Sacramento team just a few days ago, Portland jumped out to a lead and kept asserting their dominance, proving they are at least above a certain tier of teams in the NBA. One of the players that has been essential to Portland’s uprising this season is LaMarcus Aldrige.
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. Going toe-to-toe with Spurs point guard Tony Parker, Damian Lillard was once again being baptized by fire in his rookie season, and like so many of his outings this year, Lillard impressed. LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and JJ Hickson earn All-Star recognition in week seven, while Nicolas Batum takes home the Dunk of the Week.
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 the Blazers vs Hornets matchup. Hampered by a hip injury, Wesley Matthews has tried his best to get back in the game. He had yet to play since December 8th before starting Sunday. He also says the thing about this game—that seems to be getting buried—is how good Nicolas Batum was.
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.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Dec. 13 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The Blazers are now past the easy part in their schedule, and the Spurs will be the first big challenge for the team in weeks. The key matchup in this game is going to be between Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge, but the battle between Tony Park and Damian Lillard will be fun to watch.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Dec. 11 matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Both teams are good offensively but struggle on the defensive side of the floor. Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Damian Lillard need to hit their three-pointers in this one. Lillard and Kyle Lowry make up the key matchup. One player to watch out for in this game is Luke Babbitt.
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.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers Dec. 5 matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The current road trip hasn’t gone how the team planned, but they have a chance to finish strong with a big win over Indiana. J.J. Hickson’s rebounding will help against the best rebounding team in the league. The key matchup in this one is going to be between LaMarcus Aldridge and David West.
