Game Thread Game #39 - BLAZERS VS CAVS - JANUARY 7, 2022 - FRIDAY - 7:00 PM (PDT) ROOT SPORTS

[Chris Craig]

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STARTERS


Anfernee Simons Norman Powell

Nassir Little Robert Covington

Jusuf Nurkic



Darius Garland Lamar Stevens

Evan Mobley Lauri Markkanen

Jarrett Allen

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WHEN: JANUARY 7, 2022 - FRIDAY - 7:00 PM (PDT)

WHERE: MODA CENTER, PORTLAND OR



TV BROADCAST

RADIO BROADCAST



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BENCH

BLAZERS


Tony Snell Ben McLemore

Dennis Smith Jr

Greg Brown Trendon Watford

Keljin Blevins Reggie Perry

CJ Elleby


Damian Lillard CJ McCollum

Cody Zeller Larry Nance Jr



CAVS


Kevin Love Brandon Goodwin

Dylan Wyndler Dean Wade

RJ Nembhardt Rajon Rondo

Ed Davis Tacko Fall

Malik Newman Isaac Okoro

Kevin Pango Cedi Osman

Collin Sexton Ricky Rubio

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INJURIES

CAVS

Collin Sexton (Knee) OUT
Ricky Rubio (ACL) OUT
Isaac Okoro (Elbow) OUT
Cedi Osman (Protocols) OUT
Rajon Rondo (Cond.) Questionable


BLAZERS

Damian Lillard (Abs) OUT
CJ McCollum (Lung) OUT
Larry Nance Jr (Knee) OUT


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COACHES


Chauncey Billups


J.B. Bickerstaff

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NOTES
​

• This is the second of 2 meetings this season between the Blazers and Cavs
• The Blazers played the Cavs back on 11/3 in Cleveland losing 107 -104
• The Blazers won the 2020-21 season series 2-0
• Ed Davis played for the Blazers from 2015-18
• Larry Nance Jr played for the Cavs from 2018-21

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TRIVIA

The Blazers played the Cavs back on May 5th, winning 141 - 105. Four Blazers off the bench had a +28 or higher. He led all Blazers in +/- with a +30.

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Cat Versus Dog​

 

[blazerkor]

For the poll question, I want Ant traded and not just because he has great trade value and is as redundant with Dame or CJ as Dame and CJ are with each other. He has to have some nice trade value, a RFA that is right now showing that he can dominate on offense. I think we could get draft assets for him that would be useful in a more meaningful trade or he would be a great sweetener. I also want him in an environment like the last couple of games have been where he can flourish.

Also Nas is the only guy I really care to see on this still on this roster after the deadline besides Dame... everyone else can go.

 

[blazerkor]

As far as this game goes, that is a scary front court... and it's deep. Garland is a stud too but I have no idea who runs the offense when he sits. Should be interesting and a loss.

 

[TBpup]

For the poll question, I want Ant traded and not just because he has great trade value and is as redundant with Dame or CJ as Dame and CJ are with each other. He has to have some nice trade value, a RFA that is right now showing that he can dominate on offense. I think we could get draft assets for him that would be useful in a more meaningful trade or he would be a great sweetener. I also want him in an environment like the last couple of games have been where he can flourish.

Also Nas is the only guy I really care to see on this still on this roster after the deadline besides Dame... everyone else can go.

Agreed. He is showing signs, but when Dame and or CJ and or Norm come back, his minutes, opportunities and rank are significantly impacted.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Both. That’s my answer. Plenty other players to trade.

 

[Chris Craig]

So Nurkic is probably out for that punch to Herro and Nance is probably out because his knee.

No Centers for the Blazers

 

[James lamphear]

Simons has shown me something the last 2 games not by scoring he also getting assist what someone that's supposed be point guard to do. But his defense is in question though and if he can get that part of his game improve it will hard not to trade CJ or Powell first. I pick Little because he more round player that don't have to put up big scoring numbers to be effect in the game. Both players are growing and there both young I wasn't big Simons fan but the last two games has me noticed him just little bit more and keep play like this then you got keep both.

 

[THE HCP]

I

So Nurkic is probably out for that punch to Herro and Nance is probably out because his knee.

No Centers for the Blazers

I'VE WANTED BOOGIE COUSINS ON OUR TEAM FOR YEARS!!!

 

[BlazerBeav]

That was not a punch, that'd be BS if he's out given Lebron got a single game for a clearly intentional elbow to the face.

 

[Labinot41]

Play for the draft pick !

 

[BankTeller]

For the poll question, I want Ant traded and not just because he has great trade value and is as redundant with Dame or CJ as Dame and CJ are with each other. He has to have some nice trade value, a RFA that is right now showing that he can dominate on offense. I think we could get draft assets for him that would be useful in a more meaningful trade or he would be a great sweetener. I also want him in an environment like the last couple of games have been where he can flourish.

Also Nas is the only guy I really care to see on this still on this roster after the deadline besides Dame... everyone else can go.

I think that’s a fair assessment. And I agree I’d keep Nassir. But how much draft capital are you getting for him? Are we getting a hight lotto pick in this year’s draft for him? If trading him at the deadline put us in a position to get someone like Deandre Hunter + a highly protected 1st or a high lottery pick this year + future assets, I’d be all for it.

But if we didn’t HAVE to trade either, I’d give Ant a shot at running the show. Something encouraging to point out is his ast/to in his 5 starts this year:

4-1
5-2
1-0 he only played 10 minutes
7-2
7-1

I think if he can take a jump in his playmaking, I’m ready to move on from CJ and sign Ant to a deal that will likely be significantly cheaper than CJ right now. If he can make the leap to on defense next year, I’m ready to trade Norman and start Ant next to Dame. Nurkic/Covington/Nance and maybe even Norman are all are available if the point of dealing someone is to get back picks. Another half season of experience as a starter with a former Finals MVP head coach and perennial All star teammate in his corner will make all the difference in the world for his growth this year.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I

I'VE WANTED BOOGIE COUSINS ON OUR TEAM FOR YEARS!!!

Sure, why not try him out for ten days?

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Sure, why not try him out for ten days?

Oops, I forgot about the tank!

 

[Tweak]

Zeller most likely will play tonight.

 

[THE HCP]

Zeller most likely will play tonight.

Which means what exactly?

 

[Tweak]

Which means what exactly?

It means- ZELLER...WILL...MOST...LIKELY....PLAY...TONIGHT.
That help?

 

[THE HCP]

It means- ZELLER...WILL...MOST...LIKELY....PLAY...TONIGHT.
That help?

Oh he came out swinging this morning. Didn’t sleep well?

 

[THE HCP]

Zeller playing will have as much of an affect/effect on the outcome of the game tonight as knowing whose sitting in section 305/row 10/seat 5.

But thanks for the heads up angry guy.

 

[Tweak]

Zeller playing will have as much of an affect/effect on the outcome of the game tonight as knowing whose sitting in section 305/row 10/seat 5.

But thanks for the heads up angry guy.

Not angry, the post was self explanatory considering that he was originally listed as out for the game.

 

[Strenuus]

Zeller playing will have as much of an affect/effect on the outcome of the game tonight as knowing whose sitting in section 305/row 10/seat 5.

But thanks for the heads up angry guy.

Why are you sitting there?

 

[THE HCP]

Not angry, the post was self explanatory considering that he was originally listed as out for the game.

Lighten up Francis. All this ain’t that serious. Especially if Zeller is involved. HA!

 

[Scalma]

I’d say Nas, just because I still doubt Dame would ever ask for a trade. And with him around Simons is a backup. But I’ve said it a couple times now, Ant is perfect insurance just in case Dame does ask for a trade or the organization decides to start over. Double edged sword though, because he’s also probably our most valuable trade chip. He looks like a legit 20 point scorer if given the minutes. And he’s young and a team can control him for the foreseeable future. No doubt he’ll be in demand.

 

[Tweak]

Lighten up Francis. All this ain’t that serious. Especially if Zeller is involved. HA!

Just thought that the big letters might help you out a bit. Just trying to help somebody and this is what I get.
Agree about Zeller but we lost another tall guy the other night.

 

[blazedanugz]

Evan Mobley is going to destroy us tonight

 

[Fairly-Hard]

Evan Mobley is going to destroy us tonight

Does he shoot 3's ?

 

[Scalma]

Evan Mobley is going to destroy us tonight

The skinny big era is coming. Mobley this season. Chet next season. Wembanyama after that.

 

[blazedanugz]

Does he shoot 3's ?

not really but he’s super long and athletic at the 4 and is a great defender already.

 

[BlazerBeav]

not really but he’s super long and athletic at the 4 and is a great defender already.

Still, takes more possessions to kill us with 2's.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

not really but he’s super long and athletic at the 4 and is a great defender already.

It was really more of an indictment on the Blazers 3 point defense.

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

We're gonna get our asses kicked correct?