NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 12 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jason says the Thunder are still playing for the top seed in the west. They won’t let this one slip away without a fight. Can we get more Lillard please? Damian Lillard was outstanding as he scored a new career high 38 points vs. LA. The Blazers got off to a quick start, shot the ball well, and really looked in control the whole game.
Lillard’s Big Night Sitting 11 games under .500, and mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Portland Trail Blazers had very little to play for heading in to last night’s contest against the rival Los Angeles Lakers. However, any time Portland hosts the Lakers at the Rose Garden, no matter the situation, there’s always something to [...]
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers April 10 matchup against the LA Lakers. Portland took down the Lakers to start the year, but this LA team has seen a drastic change since the All-Star break. Whether Kobe Bryant is a scorer or a facilitator will play a big role in this one. Nicolas Batum, Steve Nash and Wesley Matthews are questionable, while Metta World Peace is out.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers Blogger breaks down Wesley Matthews’ post-game interview following the loss to the Houston Rockets on ESPN. Matthews has emerged as the vocal leader on this team. LaMarcus Aldridge has always been quiet and Damian Lillard doesn’t have the experience, leaving Matthews to encourage this team along the way. Matthews spoke candidly about this team’s effort Friday night, and he set the tone for what needs to happen down the stretch.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers April 7 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. These two teams have established a history, with the most dramatic game taking place back on Jan. 29. Portland won the game on a last-second shot. Now, Portland is officially out of the playoffs, but Wesley Matthews has urged his teammates to continue playing with pride. The key matchup will be between Dirk Nowitzki and LaMarcus Aldridge. Nicolas Batum is out
NWSB Insider and Rip City hoops blogger Jason Hartzog reviews the Portland Trail Blazers April 3rd matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies. He points out it was a rough night for Joel Freeland and Meyers Leonard. They both showed some of their offensive ability. However, it was their lack of defense that stood out in this one. Will Barton followed the rest of the team with horrible shooting.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers April 5 matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Blazers will be back on national T.V. (ESPN) for the second time in just over a week. Last time didn’t go so well against the Brooklyn Nets, and the team will look to restore its image with a young, energetic roster. The key matchup is going to be at the shooting guard spot. James Harden and Wesley Matthews will have the potential to score a lot of points in a up-tempo system.
NWSB Insider previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ March 3 matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. PDX has lost five straight, and is giving up more than 111 points per contest during that stretch. The playoffs are more than a long shot at this point, and you have to wonder how motivated this team is following a game where they turned the ball over 16 times. The key matchup will be between Zach Randolph and either LaMarcus Aldridge or JJ Hickson.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers April 1 matchup against the Utah Jazz. This game will be the second time in three nights that these two teams meet. The last time didn’t go Portland’s way, as a first-half lead turned into a second-half meltdown. With LaMarcus Aldridge out Monday night, the key matchup will be between Meyers Leonard and Al Jefferson. Leonard is coming off a career performance against the Golden State Warriors.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ March 30 matchup against the Golden State Warriors.Portland made a major comeback the last time these two played to make it a game late, but a strong start would have avoided having to do that. The key matchup in this one is going to be at the point guard position, as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard have proven they can carry their teams. LaMarcus Aldridge is out.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers March 29 matchup against the Utah Jazz. This game has major playoff implications, but at this point in the year, it appears as if both squads are headed toward the lottery. Portland needs to recover following the debacle against the Brooklyn Nets. Rebounding is going to be a focal point for the Blazers. The key matchup will be between Damian Lillard and Mo Williams.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers March 27 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Portland is coming off of a five-game road trip; one in which saw the team go 2-3 against playoff opponents and one near-playoff team. The push for the playoffs begins now, and a win at home is the best way to start. The key matchup is going to be at the small forward position. Gerald Wallace and Nicolas Batum used to fight for the starting spot in PDX, but when the team turned Wallace in Damian Lillard, it instantly became Batum’s.
