Blazer's Edge: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Around SBN: Georgia 26, Tennessee 14: A Vol Fan Reacts Bar-right-arrows



Awaiting the Schedule

As promised at the Center Court Blog the 2008-09 NBA Schedule should be released sometime Wednesday morning.  We'll save some space and effort for analysis when it comes out.  I'll try to be on top of things and post it as it's released but even if I don't I'm sure somebody will have it up in about a millisecond.

When the schedule does come out please post the link in the comments of this thread and not in the fanposts.  Clear enough?  That way discussion will be localized and not spread all over three or four posts.  I will copy the link into this very space for all to see as soon as I see it.

While we're waiting, a few thoughts on scheduling in general:

--As near as I'm able to ascertain the NBA makes sure its marquee (usually meaning "elite", can also mean "popular") teams get normally-paced schedules with plenty of TV opportunities, of course.  After that the lesser-known or lesser-performing teams get squeezed in where they fit.  With 30 teams and 82 games each I guess they have to prioritize somehow.  Keep in mind that the Blazers, however promising, are still likely to be in the "squeezed in" category.  Don't be surprised if the rumored mess of road games to start the season, weird flurries of games followed by weird layoffs, and other anomalies persist in this year's schedule.

--That said, don't be surprised if the Blazers get featured holiday games again.  There's nobody in this year's rookie class as exciting as Greg Oden and that, coupled with Fernandez and a host of attractive youngsters, gives us the ingenue vibe.

--People generally make too much of the ebbs and flows of the schedule during the off-season.  The quality of the two teams involved usually matters more than the order in which they play each other.

--It's somewhat silly to go through the schedule now penciling in wins and losses.  We don't even know our own rotation yet, let alone the strength of the opponent, injuries, and the like.  Nevertheless people are going to do that.  As you do, providing you want to be serious about it (which is not a requirement) remember the following:

  • You won't beat most inferior teams every time.  Account for at least one loss to all but the worst teams.
  • This is doubly true if you figure we're going to beat teams better than we at least once.
  • Back-to-backs do kind of matter, and four-games-in-five-nights are brutal.   Plan accordingly.
  • Everybody starts with 41-41 as our baseline but remember we're unlikely to go on a quarter-season winning streak again.  If your total ends up only in the mid-40's let it stand.  I'm not saying that's correct, but honestly it's better than going back and changing.  If you already know we're going to win 50 then don't bother going through the schedule.

In short, this may be the single most overrated announcement (and therefore discussion day) of the entire off-season.  But hey, it IS the off-season so this topic is as good as any.  Have fun waiting and speculating!

Schedule Link Here: http://www.nba.com/blazers/schedule/

Initial Analysis:  October and early November are rough.  11 of our first 18 games are against last year's playoff teams.  Most are on the road and most of those playoff teams are of the legit, good variety, not the squeakers.  HOWEVER this is not necessarily a horrible deal.  Chances are we'll be making some adjustments and finding our way early anyway.  Also, as you know, even legit contenders sometimes biff it coming out of the gate.  It's usually worse playing a playoff giant in March or April than November.  And if you start looking at January, February, and March things get a lot rosier.  Basically if we can hold on early and not get totally obliterated there's a legitimate chance we could start clicking in those middle months and let the momentum carry us right through April and into the playoffs.  You can't start 0-18 of course, but 8-10 would be no big deal and even 6-12 would be enough to keep hope alive.  Just don't judge the season completely by its first months. 

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

0 recs | Comment 235 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

From MB's blog...

“Wednesday morning the NBA schedule will be released. I’ve seen it, and was even pouring over it with Kevin Pritchard last week. One word describes the first six weeks of the season- brutal. I don’t mean kind of difficult, I mean brutal. You’ll understand what I mean when you see it, and I’m sure you’ll agree. If this team comes through the first 24 games with a record anywhere near .500 it will be remarkable. You think I’m overstating that. Again, you’ll see.”

Oden+Roy+Aldridge+Rudy=Dynasty. Believe

by OdenRoyLMA on Aug 6, 2008 12:19 AM PDT   0 recs

Just a hunch

Blazers vs Lakers on Christmas Day..
our home opener will be versus the Jazz.
and we will close the Season with Golden State needing a win to clinch home court in the first round…

GO TIMBERS!!!!

by mschofer on Aug 6, 2008 12:20 AM PDT   0 recs

Nope

Supposedly LA vs Boston is one of the Christmas matchups. I doubt we get Christmas this year.

< /war >

by Diesel10 on Aug 6, 2008 1:35 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah, as mentioned by disel10

pretty sure it’s boston vs la on christmas

also Spurs vs Suns will be on christmas as well

and supposedly Hornets vs Magic on that day too..

which i guess means no room for us..hopefully we’ll get another holiday though

by dsx460 on Aug 6, 2008 1:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Man, I can't wait until the schedule comes out

Half season ticket holder – do I get the opening home game or not, it’s killing me!!

There is probably no more terrible instance of enlightenment than the one in which you discover your father is a man — with human flesh.
Paul Muad'Dib - Dune (Frank Herbert)

My Translation: My Dad is a dude just like me, and my sons are dudes like me also. I love that. I've got you covered bro... much love.

by johnv59 on Aug 6, 2008 12:24 AM PDT   0 recs

Don't worry

All of the half-season ticket holders get to go to the home opener. You may not sit in your normal seat but it will be in the same pricing section.

by david1978pdx on Aug 6, 2008 7:46 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

you know this for sure?

i’m a half season ticket holder also so i really want to know if i get home opener. And i hope i get that Christmas day game also.

by DrivetheLane on Aug 6, 2008 9:56 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

For sure man!

We too are 1/2 season tix holders. Believe me, you will get either the seats or they put you in the Lexus section on opening night.

For us last year it was the Lexus section (free food and drink!).

This year should be at our seats, down low in corner seats 1&2.

Woo hoo!

The Oden Era, Day 406

by Heymoe on Aug 6, 2008 10:33 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Really?

When I signed up for half season the rep was sort of apologetic that he couldn’t tell me if my half was the opener.

"We, as Blazer fans, are perhaps the luckiest fans in the league."-Idog1976, July 19.

by jorga on Aug 6, 2008 10:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

my rep was also unsure.

So hope you’re right. I’ll end up at that game one way or another though. Can’t wait to hear the roof blow off when they intro Oden for the first time.

by DrivetheLane on Aug 6, 2008 11:06 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I hope you are right

That would be awesome watching Oden dunk on Duncan.

There is probably no more terrible instance of enlightenment than the one in which you discover your father is a man — with human flesh.
Paul Muad'Dib - Dune (Frank Herbert)

My Translation: My Dad is a dude just like me, and my sons are dudes like me also. I love that. I've got you covered bro... much love.

by johnv59 on Aug 6, 2008 10:48 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Will the schedule include TV stations (nationally?)

I hope so. How many nationally televised games out of the roughly a little under 250 will the Blazers get (TNT, ABC, ESPN, NBA TV)? My over/under is on 19, as we are a pretty exciting story.

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 12:26 AM PDT   0 recs

I will put everything I got on the under if that is the line...

I am guessing between 8 and 11, not counting the playoffs obviously….

RUDY > MJ

by myemic23 on Aug 6, 2008 12:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

oh shoots...

I don’t count NBATV as a nationally televised game, and my estimate shows that. I would probably still take the under even if you count NBATV games….

RUDY > MJ

by myemic23 on Aug 6, 2008 1:24 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

over

we’ll have 20

last year we had 19 pre-surgery

by dsx460 on Aug 6, 2008 12:44 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Horrible error, Dave
This is doubly true if you figure we’re going to beat teams better than we at least once.

For shame. There are no better teams.
If you already know we’re going to win 50 then don’t bother going through the schedule.

We’ll win 55. I won’t bother, either.

Other people don't have as much practice at being wrong as I do -- HT, timbo

by jscot on Aug 6, 2008 3:19 AM PDT   0 recs

Great, I try to google some news about the schedule, and what’s the top hit? This article. Now that helps.

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 4:40 AM PDT   0 recs

Thanks for saving me the time

and frustration of doing it myself. =)

I am pretty much just interested to see where the likely weekend games are that will be in my quarter ticket package.

I can have the patience to wait until October.
I can have the patience to wait until October.
I can have the patience to wait until October.

And you don't eat crackers in the bed of your future, otherwise you might get....all scratchy.

by shenanigans on Aug 6, 2008 6:08 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Boston Globe - One of the season openers on TNT is out

The Celtics will open the defense of their 17th NBA championship with a game Oct. 28 against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Banknorth Garden. An NBA source also said the Celtics will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day in a nationally televised matchup.

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 6:59 AM PDT   0 recs

Arizona Republic - Suns

The San Antonio Spurs, who eliminated the Suns in three of the past four postseasons, will visit Phoenix on Dec. 25 to revive a tradition of an NBA Christmas in the desert.

San Antonio also will host the Suns’ regular-season opener Oct. 29 (ESPN). The Suns’ home opener follows Oct. 30 against New Orleans, starting the season with a road-home back-to-back set for the third year in a row.

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 7:01 AM PDT   0 recs

Come on Dave...

...quit being a buzz kill. So you think it’s an overrated announcement. Who cares, we’re excited about our Blazers….let us be! Stop going #1 on our parade!

BLAZERS will be GREAT in '08!

by Brannon49 on Aug 6, 2008 7:22 AM PDT   0 recs

Sorry

Been channeling Dwight Jaynes.

—Dave

by Dave on Aug 6, 2008 9:28 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Agree with you.

It’s a non-event to me, a non-season ticket holder. I can see why it’s important to those sharing season tickets though.

I remember telling him how impressed I was with a player during summer league. In Avery's unique voice, he replied, "Marc, it's summer league." I

by TwoDeep on Aug 6, 2008 4:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not overrated

How can you say the release of the new schedule is overrated as a news piece? Okay, alot of media folks make way too much out of it (especially, for the NFL) but this is really quite an exciting day for us season ticket holders who now get to begin making their plans for the season. You better believe I dissecting this schedule. I want need to know which games I am going to and which games I can kick down some tickets to my friends. ;-)

by david1978pdx on Aug 6, 2008 7:39 AM PDT   0 recs

Finally I can start planning

I’ve been highly anticipating the release of the schedule so I can plan two trips to Portland to see the team play at home. Hopefully there will be back-to-back Friday & Saturday games or Saturday and Sunday games so I can make the most of a weekend.

If you let them make you, they'll make you into paper mache.
At a distance your strong until the wind comes, then you'll crumble and blow away.
- Incubus

by ZooooomByU on Aug 6, 2008 8:21 AM PDT   0 recs

Schedule Highlights

ESPN Marc Stein

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 9:05 AM PDT   0 recs

Portland

Oct. 31: San Antonio at Portland (ESPN)

Nov. 6: Houston at Portland (TNT)

Nov. 10: Portland at Orlando

Dec. 25: Dallas at Portland (TNT)

Feb. 6: Portland at Oklahoma City

Feb. 11: Oklahoma City at Portland

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 9:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oops, forgot the obvious because it doesn't say Portland in the article

Oct. 28: Blazers at Lakers as the second game of the season opener double header after Cavs at Boston (as was reported earlier)

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 9:24 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

None too kindly, I would add

Marc Stein makes some lame attempts at humor regarding Greg Oden:

  • ”...capped by Greg Oden’s long-awaited NBA debut in Blazers at Lakers.”
  • “Yao Ming and Oden go toe-to-toe for the first time. Health permitting, of course.”
  • “Oden will have lined up against Shaquille O’Neal (Nov. 1), Yao and Dwight Howard in a span of 10 days by the time he gets through this one. Health permitting, of course.”
  • “Kevin Durant versus Greg Oden for the first time as pros. We hope.”

Sounds like Stein can’t wait to be the first one to start writing “Oden is an injury-prone bust” and “Oden continues Portland’s streak of bad luck when drafting top centers.”

Asked his specialty in the kitchen, Oden paused and said, "Hamburger Helper and tuna fish."

by MiledAnimal on Aug 6, 2008 1:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What an a-hole.

You don’t have to mention that a player may or may not be injured every time you talk about a potential game. IT IS IMPLIED STEIN!!!!

Both Teams Played Hard
Both Teams Played Hard
Both Teams Played Hard

by Kelsoballa on Aug 6, 2008 1:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I noticed that too

"The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not." - Charles Barkley

by tominhawaii on Aug 6, 2008 1:42 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The schedule is at the Offical PTB web site

Here

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Aug 6, 2008 9:07 AM PDT   0 recs

Am I crazy

Or is http://www.nba.com/blazers/schedule/index.html it?
It’s not the 2007-2008 even though it says it

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:08 AM PDT   0 recs

We got

A christmas day game vs Dallas on TNT!

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:10 AM PDT   0 recs

sweet

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Aug 6, 2008 9:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

cool...

we’ll win that one and I hope to be there. When tickets freaking go on sale…

Ford: Bill, you're claiming victory already? Have you had a "Mission Accomplished" banner printed yet?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=DraftDebate-080624

by ratbastird on Aug 6, 2008 12:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, when do they go on sale?

Normally?

I’ve never boughten tickets before a season started and I gotta gotta go, I got to got to go to the season opener here in LA.

Lakers site said after the schedule comes out, either in late September or early October—but the schedule is out now! I wanna buy tickets NOW!

Mortimer

by Mortimer on Aug 6, 2008 2:12 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

SCHEDULE IS OUT!

OUCH!

Link – http://www.nba.com/blazers/schedule/

BLAZERS will be GREAT in '08!

by Brannon49 on Aug 6, 2008 9:11 AM PDT   0 recs

So it is scheduled!

Elizabeth had a partner and he had a rap from the cops, Him and Lenny Suckerpunch were just out Tooling around

by Lizzy Lowblow on Aug 6, 2008 9:12 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

the oklahoma city seatle super sonics

in the calender version

"If I was in anyway unclear, I am implying that Dave is a serial murderer."
---jonestr on Aug 3, 2008 12:25 AM PDT

Email Dave,
--- Mortimer --- for Blazers Edge Ambassador to the SBNations

by ptwnblzr on Aug 6, 2008 10:20 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe this is a sop to Seattle fans

and will be played in Key Arena…

"We, as Blazer fans, are perhaps the luckiest fans in the league."-Idog1976, July 19.

by jorga on Aug 6, 2008 10:22 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What's the deal on Feb. 27?

We’re playing Minnesota in New Orleans?

by royroty on Aug 6, 2008 9:12 AM PDT   0 recs

And the Hornets are playing Milwaukee in Orlando

It must be some kind of “see other NBA teams play live” promotion by the league.

by royroty on Aug 6, 2008 9:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

13(!) games on ESPN or TNT

I remember the days when we’d be lucky to get 2 or 3.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Aug 6, 2008 9:13 AM PDT   0 recs

I remember last season

when lots were scheduled, but once Oden went down things changed fast.

Christmas Day was supposedly the first Oden-Durant matchup of the season (tho they were supposed to meet in Summer League but never did.). I don’t recall if that broadcast changed or not.

"We, as Blazer fans, are perhaps the luckiest fans in the league."-Idog1976, July 19.

by jorga on Aug 6, 2008 10:25 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

we still got a lot of nat'l tv games

and yes, the Christmas day remained one of them.

Several of the games that were changed when Oden went down were put back on the national tv schedule when we won 13 straight.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Aug 6, 2008 10:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It was still on xmas nationally

i don’t actually recall them removing any of our nationally televised games post-announcement, though i’m sure they wanted to.

Free Sergio! http://www.freesergio.com

by sergioFTW on Aug 6, 2008 10:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

When MB said the beginning of the season was brutal

He wasn’t joking. Look at all those home/away overnights, not to mention the caliber of teams we’re playing (mostly on the road of course)

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:13 AM PDT   0 recs

we could play good ball

... and still be 0 and 5.

If we’re at .500 on December 1st, it will be an amazing achievement.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Aug 6, 2008 9:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Just make sure you remember that...

Some of us get rather cranky at the blazers when they lose.

Ford: Bill, you're claiming victory already? Have you had a "Mission Accomplished" banner printed yet?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?page=DraftDebate-080624

by ratbastird on Aug 6, 2008 12:43 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

FIRE NATE!

"The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not." - Charles Barkley

by tominhawaii on Aug 6, 2008 1:43 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Too funny .... but true.

I remember telling him how impressed I was with a player during summer league. In Avery's unique voice, he replied, "Marc, it's summer league." I

by TwoDeep on Aug 6, 2008 4:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

April looks also tough

Try to lock up a playoff spots against these teams:

LA Lakers, vs Houston, vs San Antonio, vs LA Lakers, Sacramento, vs Dallas, vs Memphis, @ Phoenix

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 9:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Im so glad the the first month

there are a total of 7 home games

Leaders build cultures that create self-esteem, generate and sustain trust, elevate the dignity of work , create community and foster open communication, and finally encourage growth and learning.

-Warren Bennis USC Professor

That was a very hard winter,
and it was just like one long night,
with me lying awake, waiting and waiting and waiting
for daybreak.
- Black Elk
1881

by BlazerFan1 on Aug 6, 2008 9:15 AM PDT   0 recs

Schedule is Out

http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/8/6/587755/awaiting-the-schedule

"The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not." - Charles Barkley

by tominhawaii on Aug 6, 2008 9:15 AM PDT   0 recs

u r silly

Leaders build cultures that create self-esteem, generate and sustain trust, elevate the dignity of work , create community and foster open communication, and finally encourage growth and learning.

-Warren Bennis USC Professor

That was a very hard winter,
and it was just like one long night,
with me lying awake, waiting and waiting and waiting
for daybreak.
- Black Elk
1881

by BlazerFan1 on Aug 6, 2008 9:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Link?

Seems like lots of back to back games the first month as well.

"The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not." - Charles Barkley

by tominhawaii on Aug 6, 2008 9:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

Including some home/away stuff and some nice 5-day road trips.

Did anyone notice that we play Minnesota in New Orleans?
“February Fri 27 @ Minnesota
New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA”

My favorite stretch is
Mon 10 Orlando 4:00pm <br /> Wed 12 Miami 4:30pm
Fri 14 New Orleans 5:00pm <br /> Sat 15 Minnesota 5:00pm
Tue 18 @ Golden State 7:30pm
Wed 19 vs Chicago
I think if you got a map and drew that out you’d probably cross over every state in the lower 48. Wouldn’t be so bad without Minnesota in there back to back with NO. MIght as well come home for a day before the GS game.

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:25 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Ok

so copying straight from the schedule doesn’t format well here. That should read
Mon 10 Orlando 4:00pm <br />Wed 12 Miami 4:30pm
Fri 14 New Orleans 5:00pm <br />Sat 15 Minnesota 5:30pm
Tue 18 @ Golden State 7:30 pm
Wed 19 vs Chicago

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:27 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Ugh

I give up.

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:28 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yah,

what the sam heck is going on there? It looks like somebody pasted a gray banner across your otherwise fine words, as if this were a conglomeration of telephone pole flyers.

—Dave

by Dave on Aug 6, 2008 9:30 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I know

I copied and pasted from the schedule on the first one, then the second one I typed it out but it still happened . . . I have no idea.

Things happen for a reason they say, but I say there's a reason things happen.

by sixth on Aug 6, 2008 9:31 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's all the @signs and line breaks that don't work out

Odenied: Coach, I promise I wasn't running hard ...

by Norsktroll on Aug 6, 2008 9:31 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, that was pretty cool

It looks like someone duct taped your posts.

"The only difference between a good shot and a bad shot is if it goes in or not." - Charles Barkley

by tominhawaii on Aug 6, 2008 9:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's correcto-type!

I thought Dan Rather had the last bottle.

by bbfred on Aug 6, 2008 10:40 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

haha

oh man, that is so funny! Don’t feel bad sixth, you inadvertantly made my day.

by MavetheGreat on Aug 6, 2008 3:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Brutal doesn't begin to describe this schedule

I counted 68 away games and only 14 home games.

Asked his specialty in the kitchen, Oden paused and said, "Hamburger Helper and tuna fish."

by MiledAnimal on Aug 6, 2008 9:25 AM PDT   0 recs

lol

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Aug 6, 2008 9:26 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually

I had to stop and count because it looked exactly that way to me as well. Everything seemed to have an ”@” in front of it!

The secret is, there aren’t as many road games in the early going as it seems. It just feels that way because of the combination of actual road games and tough teams at home. Seriously, I looked at that first month and then scrolled down to see where the month with 90% home games came. It never showed up and I started getting mad.

—Dave

by Dave on Aug 6, 2008 9:32 AM PDT