So, who's better, Portland or Houston?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Blazer4ever, Apr 1, 2014.

  1. Blazer4ever

    Blazer4ever Finding a Way BANNED

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    Theoratically.
     
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  2. Blazinaway

    Blazinaway Well-Known Member

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    with everyone healthy I would have to give HOU the edge, however that's why we have playoffs and if we played well we IMO would have a decent chance
     
  3. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    I gotta give it to Houston but for really shitty reasons like knowing how to work the refs.
     
  4. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

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    On a fair playing field, Portland all day.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. BlazerBeav

    BlazerBeav Well-Known Member

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    Agreed - I think we are the better team, but after seeing the way Houston was able to work the refs in our last meeting to steal that game from us, I am concerned.
     
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  6. Buffalo Blazer

    Buffalo Blazer Member

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    One positive...our defensive strategy of not stepping up on pick and rolls works well against Beverley (assuming he's back by then), who isn't a good shooter off the dribble.

    Negative is that Beverley does a great job of neutralizing Dame...we'll need strong performances by Dame and LA in order to win the series.

    LMA poses problems for Houston because if they cover him with Howard, it pulls Howard away from the basket and he can't protect the rim. If they cover him with Terrance Jones/Montejunas, he should dominate either one strength-wise. I noticed a similar issue with OKC, where Ibaka was far more effective than Perk covering LMA, but that takes away from his ability to cut off the lane and block/alter shots.

    I think it will be a great series. Hopefully, the ability of all five of our starters to hit FT's will carry some of the close games.
     
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  7. Eastoff

    Eastoff But it was a beginning.

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    The LMA thing is important. If LMA truly goes beast mode, and doesn't settle for any jumpers until after he's dominated the paint, we have a good chance. But the Beverley thing is a serious issue.
     
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  8. BLAZER PROPHET

    BLAZER PROPHET Well-Known Member

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    Houston just seems to match up so well with us. Also, supposedly, the players have orders to flop on each and every offensive and defenseive stand whenever possible. The team laughs and fines are paid- and they shoot more FT's than any other team (I have been told, but not verified). That gets opponents in foul trouble, stops the flow of the game...
     
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  9. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    The refs believe Houston is better. On paper, we are the much better team.
     
  10. tlongII

    tlongII Legendary Poster

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    The league considers D12 and The Beard to be superstars which gives them an advantage. I think we are better though.
     
  11. riverman

    riverman Writing Team

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    Team is the X factor in the question and I give the edge to Portland on that level. Houston trumps us in two areas. Harden's scoring and Howard in the paint. To beat them, Wes has to take Harden out of the equation and Rolo has to get Howard in early foul trouble as well as Nico containing Parsons. It's no easy matchup even with Beverly out or hobbled. In the playoffs the Blazers have to bring their A game every night. Nobody gets a night off.
     
  12. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    Parsons also trumps Batum in terms of intensity/aggressiveness, and I really think that matchup is going to be the key to the series.
     
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  13. blue32

    blue32 Who wants a mustache ride?

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    if they get away w/the flopping and the dirty work type stuff, houston is a better team all day.
     
  14. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

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    This. And That.
     
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  15. RoyToy

    RoyToy Clown Town

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    Houston and they've proven it

    And no, the last game wasn't stolen from Portland

    It was just another game the Blazers couldn't finish
     
  16. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    It's great because regular season match ups mean shit in the playoffs.
     
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  17. Blazer4ever

    Blazer4ever Finding a Way BANNED

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    I think on paper they're stronger than us if Beverly is healthy but we actually may be deeper. It will come down to who wants it more who tries harder and plays as a team.
     
  18. riverman

    riverman Writing Team

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    I think it comes down to turnovers and foul trouble
     
  19. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    Yikes, that doesn't bode well.
     
  20. BBert

    BBert Weasels Ripped My Flesh

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    I think it comes down to free throw shooting.
     

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