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. 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. 19 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. Portland is on a four-game losing streak after taking down LeBron James and the Miami Heat. They looked like a playoff team following that game, but it’s now a reasonable question as to whether they’re headed for the postseason or back into the lottery. The Blazers have to contain Brandon Jennings on Monta Eliis if they hope to come away with the ‘W.’ The key matchup in this one is between Jennings and Damian Lillard.
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 beat a struggling Heat team while helping their record, and LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews earn All-Star recognition, while Nicolas Batum takes home honors for Dunk of the Week.
NWSB Editor and Insider Chris Anderson talks about Portland’s nail-biting victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night. Playing host to the Miami Heat, basketball’s version of the New York Yankees, the Portland Trail Blazers were looking to continue their hot streak and extend their winning streak to four games against a Heat team that has been struggling as of late.
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 completed a great four-game road trip, and LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews earn All-Star recognition, while Ronnie Price and J.J. Hickson take home honors for Dunk of the Week.
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.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ Dec. 28 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Staples Center hasn’t been kind to the Blazers throughout the years, but the team from PDX has shown once this season that they can take down the talented team from L.A. The key matchup is going to be between J.J. Hickson and Dwight Howard. Wesley Matthews is questionable.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ Dec. 26 matchup against the Sacramento Kings. The Blazers are 1-3 against the Kings this season, and they’ll look to even the series Wednesday night at the Rose Garden. DeMarcus Cousins will return from a team suspension, and his battle against J.J. Hickson will be the key matchup of the contest. Wesley Matthews is questionable.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ Dec. 20 matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The Blazers will play host to the Nuggets Thursday night, and a win at the Rose Garden would put the team back to .500 for the 2012-13 season. The key matchup in this one is going to be between Damian Lillard and Ty Lawson. LaMarcus Aldridge is out for this contest and Wesley Matthews is questionable.
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.
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.
