Game 48 Preview: Blazers vs. Rockets
by Dave on Jan 29, 2010 12:00 AM PST
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PrintGame Time: 5:30 p.m. TV: Comcast
At this point in the evolution of the Houston Rockets there's good news and bad news. Bad news: they're dead last in the Southwest Conference. Good news: the conference is ultra-competitive and "dead last" actually entails a winning 24-21 record. Bad news: they have to face the Trail Blazers who have pasted them twice this season. Good news: both of those Portland wins came in the Rose Garden and this game is in Houston's home territory where the Blazers are allergic to winning. Bad news: they still don't have Yao Ming back and Tracy McGrady is persona non grata, meaning they're not nearly the team that went to the playoffs a year ago. Good news: the Blazers are in even worse shape, missing Brandon Roy, Travis Outlaw, and every center on the roster. Bad news: outside of two forwards (Carl Landry and Luis Scola) and point guard Aaron Brooks Houston doesn't have anybody who can score consistently. Good news: the Blazers are in the business of making non-consistent scorers consistent and are vulnerable at exactly the positions those decent Houston scorers occupy. Bad news: this game may get boring and frustrating for Houston fans because both teams tend to play scrappy and ugly. Good news: it's overwhelmingly likely that the Rockets will walk away with a win.
No matter how mixed the news is for the Rockets the news for the Blazers is worse. They've just come off of a pair of defeats at home, the last in semi-embarrassing fashion. No matter how hot the Jazz are Houston on the road is at least as big of a challenge to this team as Utah is at home. Portland has to settle for saving graces such as "at least Shane Battier won't be so devastating without Brandon Roy to guard". Mixed blessing, that. Brooks? Bad news. Scola and Landry? Bad news. Ariza? Meh. But could be bad news if one of our players gets hot. The Rockets have a good defensive hand and they're going to employ it in Whack-a-Mole fashion against any Blazer who pokes his head above ground.
That's not to say the Rockets are without exploitable flaws. They have a whole bunch of guys who can't shoot. They have marksmanship designs like Leon the Professional but the range-finding ability of Mr. Magoo. Their shot-blocking is abysmal. Their defensive rebounding is so-so. They trade off of rebounding their own misses and running out when they can. Sometimes neither happens. But the Blazers aren't designed to hit many of those gaps. Right now Portland isn't keeping opponents from high percentage shots. In order to run a reasonable facsimile of interior defense the Blazers have to sacrifice the perimeter. The Blazers don't drive much and thus don't take advantage of the poor shot-blocking. About the only advantage Portland might be able to claim is shutting down Houston's offensive boards and claiming some O-Rebs of their own. But that's a thin thread on which to hang a road victory against an energetic team.
Keys to the Game
- 1. As usual the boards will tell the tale. Portland's energy and commitment, or lack thereof, will be displayed retrieving caroms. If they haven't got it, they can't win.
- 2. The Blazers need to run against this team. Not hustle up the court...flat-out run. If they let the Rockets' defense get set they're in major trouble. You have to get there before they do.
- 3. This is another game where some streaky threes, or at least perimeter attempts, would do a world of good. Let the rain fall tonight, please?
- 4. Don't get down early like you have for the last umpteen million games. It'll be hard to come back against the Rockets' defense.
- 5. Make anyone beat you but Brooks.
- 6. Batum? Aldridge? Scoring?
Check out the Houston saga at the incredible The Dream Shake.
Enter tonight's Jersey Contest form here. Tomorrow's will be up right after the game.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Start Batum in place of Aldridge
At this point in time, would it really hurt anything? If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. We could use Batum’s defensive presence in addition to his offense, keep minutes for Webster and Rudy, and see how much we really miss LMA.
In other words
you would rather have Juwan than LaMarcus in the starting lineup.
I doubt you’ll get many takers on that one.
#7 #10 #25 #52 -- #5 & #88 are back!
I've been critical of him
but I don’t think he should get benched. He’s isn’t living up to his contract and shrinks in the clutch. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t start, it just means he has something in common with most of the league.
"Maybe we can't stroll to the music of the lute. We must march to the sound of drums." -Captain Kirk
by terryisntbald on Jan 29, 2010 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
Andre, Bayless, Webster, Batum, LA?
But I guess small ball would be playing into the Rockets’ hands.
Get well Greg! Rip City is still behind you!
I'd love to see that lineup as much as possible
with some Rudy mixed in. I actually think Pendergraph and Old Man River would play into their hands more since their bigs can do the same things but better. We’d have a better chance going small and pushing it with Dre than beating them at their game.
"Maybe we can't stroll to the music of the lute. We must march to the sound of drums." -Captain Kirk
by terryisntbald on Jan 29, 2010 3:04 PM PST up reply actions
I don't think it should be "in place of"
Instead, if you slid LMA to the 5, and then put Batum in at the 4, you could save Juwan for late game situations.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on Jan 29, 2010 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
My key to the game
Jerryd Bayless needs to take it to the hoop. I don’t think they are quick enough to keep him from penetrating, and they have no shot-blockers waiting for him in there. This game is made for Jerryd, and if he can successfully penetrate, he can break down their defense, and hopefully get their PFs in foul trouble.
I can easily see Jerryd going for more than 20 this game, as long as his ankle is ok.
#7 #10 #25 #52 -- #5 & #88 are back!
Jerryd is huge in this game.
He is the key to shutting Brooks down or slowing him/making his looks difficult. Getting to the hoop and getting foul calls.
I unfortunately didn’t get to see Batum kick butt the other game but I suspect our most effective line up will be:
Bayless
Webster
Batum
Aldridge
Pendergraph
Correct me if I’m wrong. I’d love Rudy and Miller as options and if Dave seriously wants us to rain some 3s then Blake but I see the above being the most potent. All can score, aside from Pendergraph (but he won’t demand much), and all can D up well enough. That leaves:
Miller
Blake
Rudy
Cunningham
Howard
That a funky line up though… I should go to sleep.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Brooks is going to toast Miller
Then I’ll come here and read about a missed shot by Blake lost the Blazers the game. LA might get blamed too
You are right
Brooks is going to toast Miller.
Miller is going to post Brooks.
Could be interesting.
#7 #10 #25 #52 -- #5 & #88 are back!
I doubt Miller will guard Brooks
Why wouldn’t Rex guard him and Miller stand in the corner with Battier? Or am I missing something.
OT : I think Rex will have a big game. He always seems to struggle against team that have shot blockers and let’s face it, Houston isn’t one of those teams.
I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
I agree
I doubt Miller spends much time guarding Brooks.
And I don’t think Battier is quick enough to keep Jerryd out of the lane.
I just said what I said because post and toast rhyme. I was talking to TiH, remember.
#7 #10 #25 #52 -- #5 & #88 are back!
if Miller/Blake/Bayless can't contain Brooks
Batum is ba-ack
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
And Martells value ....
decreases with each game Batum plays.
Small ball does not win championships.....
Go Blazers !!
you'll get no argument from me about that
Some Bedgers have speculated that these can play together, but as long as there’s Roy at the 2 and LMA at the 4, those “small lineup” minutes are going to be limited
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Exactly,
18 days and counting… tick tock KP :)
Small ball does not win championships.....
Go Blazers !!
Or is it 20 days??
I’m ready for February already..
Small ball does not win championships.....
Go Blazers !!
We should put Mills on Brooks. Battle of the tiny quicksilver point guards, neither of whom can stop the other.
At least that would be fun to watch.
Now that I'd like to see
Seeking whimsy
www.cdbaby.com/artist/year5000
by Y5k on Jan 29, 2010 6:08 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Miller isn't going to guard Brooks
Bayless is. Miller is going to guard the SG which is…. I’m at a lost for who it is…. is it Battier?? Eek. I wonder if they put Brooks on Miller. Post up time!!!
Adelman would counter
by putting Battier on Miller and Brooks on Bayless…while Jerryd and Andre are in the game together
Portland’s killer post-up backcourt is Roy/Miller…then Houston “would have a problem”
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Utah was able to put their sg on Dre and it hurt us
Miller was posting up Deron Williams, but when Blake was in they put D Will on him and their sg on Miller and he wasn’t able to post up anymore. I have a feeling that will happen with Battier with Blake or Rex. One of Dre’s best weapons is his postup game and without Roy it’s our best way to be points in the paint in the paint. If they do put Battier on Dre then Rex or Rudy will have to get inside a lot.
"Maybe we can't stroll to the music of the lute. We must march to the sound of drums." -Captain Kirk
by terryisntbald on Jan 29, 2010 2:26 PM PST up reply actions
I called it
http://www.blazersedge.com/2010/1/29/1282590/gameday-open-thread-blazers-vs#comments
Brooks 33 points 7 assists 2 steals
Miller 2 points 3 assists 0 steals
Blake 14 points 9 assists 1 steal
Somehow it was Blake’s fault the Blazers lost.
Unfortunately
I see some of the same problems this game as last, same area’s of weakness that Houston will exploit. Again we need to score in transition and hit the outside shot, Houston is allowing over 40% from 3 the last 10 games. Unfortunately we are down to about 26.6% from 3 in the last 6 games (Without Roy). I see it being about 4-5 points on skill, and whatever the home court is worth on top of that.
Follow me on Twitter @invisininjapdx
Roy's our starting point guard apparently
this is a total joke. OK, OK, it’s just one mistake, but still, it kills the whole article.
Seeking whimsy
www.cdbaby.com/artist/year5000
by Y5k on Jan 29, 2010 6:06 AM PST via mobile reply actions
Same game as Utah
Houston’s strengths are Portland’s weaknesses. It’s going to be a long night for the Blazers unless LMA decides to play with some grit. I am, however, interested in seeing what Batum does. Thus far, he has looked pretty darn good.
Utah is better
And their point guard is 6’ 160 lb Aaron Brooks, who won’t be able to repel Dre’s post ups like 6’3" 205 lb Deron Williams. They’ll have to bring doubles all night, which should lead to a bunch of open jumpers and easy cuts.
I don't like reading a bummed out dave!!
you better get a slurrpie or something, and pep it up a bit.
The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out, burns out farms, and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.
Head Czar of Amerika <--- Mortimer said so so there!!!
Texas One Step
Cheer up, Blazer fans. I am stoked to get to see the Blazers in person the only time I’ll be able to go this season. Can’t wait to see Nicolas pass out of double teams instantaneously, unlike the rest of the team. Watch for it. He was amazing against the Jazz. Go Blazers!
by Original Blazer Fan on Jan 29, 2010 8:16 AM PST reply actions
I hope you enjoy it!
That would mean we win!
Please tell us all about it tomorrow. – Elgin
GOP in HD
Same key to every game> Make Jumpers
No secret for how to win. If the Blazers get a hot hand from outside from at least 3 Blazers, we win. The team does not have the ability to get points in the paint beyond a few drives, a once in a while put back, and a running hook from LA.
So as always, live by the jumper- die by the jumper.
Since Houston is as relatively small as us
I would like to see Martell and Batum in at the same time with LMA in the middle. I have no qualms with Batum guarding Hayes, plus he will be a little longer and quicker to help play off Hayes for the inevitable drives by Brooks.
Offensively it creates matchup problems for Houston as well.
#52
Uhh ok..
I guess I don’t get the good news relating to good things towards Houston? I usually really like your Previews.. This one. Not so much
Maybe I missed something?
On game day, I leave the turkey alone because it is some chemicals in that thing. Nate Mcmillian 11/26/09
Isn't Houston another one of those teams that actually runs an offense?
That could be a problem, since the Blazers never see an actual offense in practice to hone their defensive skills against.
When was the last time we've taken the season from the rockets?
It seems like its been forever since we’ve left houston with a W
by JMLakaShotCaller on Jan 29, 2010 12:30 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Texas Two-Step
Get ready for another Texas sweep by the Blazers.
This is going to be another sparkplug for the team, and hopefully make Juwan’s top ten roadtrips.
Get Bayless out of starting lineup
Bayless is much better suited coming off the bench. Start Rudy or Batum to emphasize defense – which is supposed to be Nate’s “thing”. If the Rockets scout well, they’ll through Brooks on Webster, just like the 76ers do with A.I.. Webster can’t post up and never crashes offensive boards (hard to when your offense is standing behind the 3pt line). Let Ariza and Battier clamp down on Bayless and Miller while Scola hacks away at LaMarcus. Even Batum can’t save the Blazers tonight.
by Polish Chocolate on Jan 29, 2010 1:35 PM PST reply actions
I almost agree, but for a different reason. Bayless completely disappears when he gets into
early foul trouble and Brooks is just the guy to do it. Look for two fouls in the first three minutes and the game is toast.
Last 12 games in Houston:
1-11 record for Blazers.
Ouch.
Get well Greg! Rip City is still behind you!
When are the Blazers going to wake up regarding PG defense?
As much as Jerryd works, he’s still not quite there on defense. The best way to defend Brooks is to attack him on offense. If he gets a couple of quick fouls, you’ve actually done BETTER than play good D.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
Andre
Rudy (or Bayless)
Webster
Batum
Aldridge
That’s not the worst starting 5 I’ve ever seen.
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
by haildablazer on Jan 29, 2010 2:53 PM PST up reply actions
Since we have Rudy and Bayless don't play Blake with Miller
against Utah they were able to put their pg on Blake and Miller couldn’t post up. They can punish Brooks by posting up Miller, but only if he’s guarding Dre in the first place. Blake does a lot of things well so I don’t want this to come off as a Blake bashing post, you just can’t play him with Miller.
"Maybe we can't stroll to the music of the lute. We must march to the sound of drums." -Captain Kirk
by terryisntbald on Jan 29, 2010 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
Key to the game
Get off to a good start, Houston has had their confidence shook at home ( lost 3 in a row I think? ) and if we put them in a position to play on their heels, we have a very good chance of winning. If it is indeed them getting off to the good start, where we’ve struggled these past few games it’ll be a long uphill battle to get back into this game on the road and against Houston’s defense.
jus sayin
I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
blazers need to change the lineup for this game...
They have a small front court and a big back court (besides Brooks). I don’t want to see 6’3 Andre Miller guarding 6’8 Trevor Ariza. I just don’t….not even for kicks. And if Lamarcus Aldridge doesn’t get a double double this game, I’m going to be a little upset. Not that I’m anti-LMA, but, come on, he’s 2+ inches (plus he has a longer wing span) than everyone on the court.
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