Flippin' the Flippin' Switch

[e_blazer]

So, barring a major meltdown by the Grizzlies in the second half, it looks like the Blazers will be playing in Memphis this weekend. The good news is that it also sounds like most, if not all, of the walking wounded will be back for the series. The bad news: the Blazers have absolutely no flow going into the series due to the crazy lineups they've had to play. That puts them squarely up against the NBA truism that teams can't just flip a switch come playoff time and start playing well. The Blazers are going to have to do exactly that if they want to avoid a first round loss. About the only good thing going for them is that the Grizzlies have been dealing with their own injuries of late. That said, they're playing pretty well tonight even without Conley. Add to that, the Grizzlies have four wins over the Blazers this year.

To borrow from the Schonz, nobody said it was going to be easy.

To borrow from Dumb and Dumber:

 

[KingSpeed]

We nearly beat Grizzlies without Aldridge. We did lose to Grizzlies once without Conley. In our last matchup against Memphis, Aldridge had 16 points at halftime but sat out the second half.

 

[maxiep]

Memphis plays 82 games of playoff basketball. We play a much more free-flowing style. We're going to have to find a way to unglue the game and up the pace.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

Bad matchup...

But let's see what you have been holdin back this entire time Portland.

 

[H.C.]

lol is cmeese banned? i wonder if he isn't does he come back if the grizz win and tell everyone how he was right about should have traded lillard for conley.

 

[maxiep]

If we play Memphis, should we bring the Hoop Family for a Z-Bo reunion?

 

[MickZagger]

If we play Memphis, should we bring the Hoop Family for a Z-Bo reunion?

That would be gangster!

 

[S550]

Who was better LMA or Zbo in his prime?

 

[OSUBlazerfan]

Who was better LMA or Zbo in his prime?

LMA and its not close...

better question would be LMA vs Sheed

 

[magnifier661]

LMA and its not close...

better question would be LMA vs Sheed

If Sheed had the level of dedication as Aldridge, he would be the best PF in the history of the game. He had that much talent

 

[KingSpeed]

Memphis plays 82 games of playoff basketball. We play a much more free-flowing style. We're going to have to find a way to unglue the game and up the pace.

This

 

[KingSpeed]

If we play Memphis, should we bring the Hoop Family for a Z-Bo reunion?

Haha Yes

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

The only way I can see us beating Memphis is if our "switch" is the team growing a pair and playing super aggressive on both ends. Hard fouls, going to the basket constantly. If we are to win, it's gonna have to be ugly. We'll have to beat them at their own game.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

The only way I can see us beating Memphis is if our "switch" is the team growing a pair and playing super aggressive on both ends. Hard fouls, going to the basket constantly. If we are to win, it's gonna have to be ugly. We'll have to beat them at their own game.

They haven't played like that all year or even show signs of playing that way. What would make one think they can just turn that kind of game on?

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

They haven't played like that all year or even show signs of playing that way. What would make one think they can just turn that kind of game on?

Backs against the wall. Truly it's the only style of basketball that will keep the game within 10, if we get down by 15 points against the Grizzlies we will be royally screwed.

 

[Blazer4ever]

Just play the games, no need to flip our entire identity.
I don't believe we can win game 1 but hopefully can use it to gain some momentum and maybe steal game 2.