Trail_Blazer76
JBB JustBBall Member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2003
- Messages
- 1,204
- Likes
- 0
- Points
- 36
<font color="Red">Blazers: 16-23 (Lost 5)</font> <font color="Purple">Kings: 29-9 (Won 5)</font>
<u><font color="Red">By Trail_Blazer 76</font></u>
When: Tuesday, January 20th
Where: Arco Arena
Time: 10:00pm ET
Probable Starters
Key Matchup
Rasheed Wallace vs Predrag Stojakovic
Sheed and Peja are two forwards that play completely different styles of the game. Although they are virtually the same size (1lb and 1 inch is the difference between the two), Sheed has the defensive advantage. Peja is his team's leading scorer, and isn't usually forced to work that hard on the defensive end. If Sheed decides to be a scorer in this game, Peja will be forced to defend him, and be more tired offensively.
For Peja, outside shooting is his forte. Consequently, Sheed will be forced to guard Peja on the arc, freeing up the inside for cutters, and posting. Peja's inability to create is his main disadvantage in this match up, because he is a catch-and-shoot player. Rasheed will need to read the passes and put a hand up before they are actually caught, because Peja's release is very quick.
X-factors
<u>Ruben Patterson & Bobby Jackson</u>
Ruben Patterson is usually only put in the game for three reasons: 1. to give a more important player a rest, 2. to serve as a defensive stopper, or 3. to get a crucial rebound. However, recently Patterson has been having stellar performances (probably due to trade rumors), scoring in the upper-teens low twenties. If Patterson reaches double digits in addition to bringing his defense, the Blazers have a good shot at stealing this one.
Bobby Jackson would start on most every other NBA team, and is always a candidate for the 6th man award. His clutch shooting nearly always puts the nail in the coffin, and decrease his opponents confidence so that the Kings can take over more easily. The more points he scores in a short time period, the better. He will need to lead any runs that the Kings have.
The Blazers' recent struggles have left Mo with tears running down his Cheeks
Frankly, this should be a clinic for Sacramento. They just need to do what the always do. The point guard match up isn't as much of a mismatch as it normally is, but I still doubt that Mouse can Stay with Bibby. Peja needs to shoot from deep to force Sheed out of the lane. Brad Miller will need to do the same with Randolph, and somehow manage to contain him on the other end.
<font color="Red">***Trail_Blazer76's Prediction***</font>
Earlier this year the Blazers overcame a 24 point deficit in the second half to beat Sac-Town at the Rose Garden. However, that was at the Rose Garden. If you can't win on the road, you most certainly aren't going to win at Arco.
Kings by 11.
