Game Thread GAME# 77: BLAZERS @ TIMBERWOLVES - APRIL 1, 2019 - MONDAY, 5:00 PM, NBCSNW

[Darkwebs]

2018-19 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
48 - 28
(19-19 Road)
MINNEOSTA TIMBERWOLVES
34 - 42
(24-13 Home)


_____________________________
---------PROBABLE STARTERS---------

PG

DAMIAN LILLARD VS TYUS JONES

SG

JAKE LAYMAN VS JOSH OKOGIE

SF

MOE HARKLESS VS ANDREW WIGGINS

PF

AL-FAROUQ AMINU VS DARIO SARIC

C

ENES KANTER VS KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS


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------- JERSEYS -------

---

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WHEN: 5:00 PM (PDT), MONDAY, 4/1/2019

WHERE: TARGET CENTER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

TV BROADCAST:

RADIO BROADCAST:

​

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--------------BENCH--------------
- PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS -

CURRY , SIMONS , TURNER

HOOD , TRENT Jr.

LABISSIERE , COLLINS , LEONARD

- MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES-

BAYLESS , TERRELL , WILLIAMS

REYNOLDS , BATES-DIOP , TOLLIVER

GIBSON , DIENG


INJURIES
TRAIL BLAZERS
C.J. McCollum (left leg injury): OUT
Jusuf Nurkic (left leg injury): OUT
Enes Kanter (defense): DOUBTFUL
Al-Farouq Aminu (dribbles off foot): PROBABLE
Evan Turner (turnovers): MOST DEFINITELY
Meyers Leonard (basketball IQ): NEGATIVE
TIMBERWOLVES
Taj Gibson (left calf strain): QUESTIONABLE
Luol Deng (Achilles): OUT
Jeff Teague (left foot): OUT
Robert Covington (knee): OUT
Derrick Rose (elbow): OUT



HEAD COACHES

- VS –

TERRY STOTTS --- TOM THIBODEAU

OFFICIAL TIMBERWOLVES' GAME NOTES
OFFICIAL BLAZERS' GAME NOTES ​

• Monday’s game marks the fourth and final meeting between the Trail Blazers and the Timberwolves during the 2018-19 season. Portland leads the season series, 2-1.

• LAST MEETING: The Trail Blazers beat the Timberwolves, 113-105, at Moda Center on Dec. 8. Portland outrebounded Minnesota in the contest, 53-40. Damian Lillard led Portland with 28 points (8-16 FG, 4-9 3-PT, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds and six assists while Andrew Wiggins scored a team-high 20 points (8-18 FG, 4-6 FT) to go with six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block for Minnesota.

• In three games against the Timberwolves this season, Damian Lillard has averaged 20.7 points (38.0% FG, 30.0% 3-PT, 85.7% FT), 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

• In two games against Minnesota this season, Al-Farouq Aminu has averaged 8.3 points (40.0% FG, 77.8% FT), 7.3 rebounds and 1.70 steals.

• In three games against the Trail Blazers this season, Karl-Anthony Towns has averaged 18.7 points (43.2% FG, 42.9% 3-PT, 85.7% FT), 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

• HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY:
ALL TIME: Trail Blazers lead, 83-34
IN PORTLAND: Trail Blazers lead, 48-12
AT THE TIMBERWOLVES: Trail Blazers lead, 35-22

​

 

[Darkwebs]

WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS RACE

As of 3/30/2019
​

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I get why Broy came back. I wanted him to actually get his career back but it sucked, so I went with yes because “sort of” wasnt an option.

 

[Darkwebs]

This will be the first game that starts a weird schedule anomaly that will see the Blazers alternate home and road games through the rest of the regular season. So there are no more long road trips, but no home stand either.

I think this hurts the Blazers, as they will be travelling non-stop for the next couple weeks, making the Moda Center seem less like home court.

 

[blazerkor]

I get why Broy came back. I wanted him to actually get his career back but it sucked, so I went with yes because “sort of” wasnt an option.

I felt a little betrayed so I was a yes too but like you I was hoping that Roy could be a success being a sixth man for the Wolves but his knees wouldn't even allow that. I really feel bad for Roy and Oden. Without injuries we would have won championships with those two and LMA. Oh well.

 

[blazerkor]

I've got us winning this game against the Wolves. We'll win it for Nurk.

 

[Chris Craig]

I didn't feel betrayed. I feel like he should have retired instead though

 

[swish3]

I object to those "Blazer Injury" items in black that strike me as twisted counterproductive humor attempts. The Blazers need confidence builders from here on out as they have plenty of adversity to overcome. They need to be building toward a peak, and making cheap shot derogatory comments does not build confidence or energize our Blazers. Let's give them credit and encourage them when we can, as we still are in the running for WC and NBA Championships this year!

 

[BonesJones]

I object to those "Blazer Injury" items in black that strike me as twisted counterproductive humor attempts. The Blazers need confidence builders from here on out as they have plenty of adversity to overcome. They need to be building toward a peak, and making cheap shot derogatory comments does not build confidence or energize our Blazers. Let's give them credit and encourage them when we can, as we still are in the running for WC and NBA Championships this year!

You object? Seriously? It's a joke. You're taking it more seriously than they would.

 

[swish3]

It is incumbent on Blazer fans to cheer them on, and there are many ways to enjoy positive aspects. Blazer accomplishments do deserve respect, not derision. A lot of success may be just ahead!

 

[KingSpeed]

DW- check spelling of MINNEOSTA

 

[BonesJones]

It is incumbent on Blazer fans to cheer them on, and there are many ways to enjoy positive aspects. Blazer accomplishments do deserve respect, not derision. A lot of success may be just ahead!

Its. A. Joke. For. April. Fools. Day.

 

[H.C.]

I object to those "Blazer Injury" items in black that strike me as twisted counterproductive humor attempts. The Blazers need confidence builders from here on out as they have plenty of adversity to overcome. They need to be building toward a peak, and making cheap shot derogatory comments does not build confidence or energize our Blazers. Let's give them credit and encourage them when we can, as we still are in the running for WC and NBA Championships this year!

This might be the official forum of the Portland Trail Blazers.
There might still be a link to this website on trailblazers.com.
However the players do not read this forum.
Therefore there is no way to influence the players, or coaching staff.
There may be a random intern that sometimes responds to @SlyPokerDog via email. But that's it.
No one else who is part of the Blazer organization is part or reads the forum.

Sorry to burst your bubble.
If you wish contact with the players or coaches.
Join twitter and @ them.

 

[KingSpeed]

Its. A. Joke. For. April. Fools. Day.

No time for jokes now. Seeding is on the line.

 

[KingSpeed]

This might be the official forum of the Portland Trail Blazers.
There might still be a link to this website on trailblazers.com.
However the players do not read this forum.
Therefore there is no way to influence the players, or coaching staff.
There may be a random intern that sometimes responds to @SlyPokerDog via email. But that's it.
No one else who is part of the Blazer organization is part or reads the forum.

Sorry to burst your bubble.
If you wish contact with the players or coaches.
Join twitter and @ them.

CJ read and posted on this forum.

 

[BonesJones]

No time for jokes now. Seeding is on the line.

Dang, sorry @Darkwebs apparently your April Fools joke is putting the Blazers seeding in jeopardy.

 

[joeBlazers]

Hopefully we are more focused Monday night. We were due a bad game and it is behind us.

 

[TBpup]

I didn't feel betrayed when Roy signed with MIN....any competitive player wants to play if they believe it is possible and he obviously did. What has bothered me MUCH more is his treating of Portland as if he never played a game there in his entire career. He has the city and franchise on complete 'ignore'. Not saying he didn't, but didn't see a word from him when Paul Allen passed away. Paul was who insisted he get the long contract when it was obvious his knees were shot.

A few words or gratitude and condolence would have seemed appropriate. If he did, my bad and I just didn't see it. Certainly saw/heard other players do so.

 

[kjironman1]

Enes Kanter (defense): DOUBTFUL
Al-Farouq Aminu (dribbles off foot): PROBABLE
Evan Turner (turnovers): MOST DEFINITELY
Meyers Leonard (basketball IQ): NEGATIVE

@Darkwebs needs to be put in check here!

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I didn't feel betrayed when Roy signed with MIN....any competitive player wants to play if they believe it is possible and he obviously did. What has bothered me MUCH more is his treating of Portland as if he never played a game there in his entire career. He has the city and franchise on complete 'ignore'. Not saying he didn't, but didn't see a word from him when Paul Allen passed away. Paul was who insisted he get the long contract when it was obvious his knees were shot.

A few words or gratitude and condolence would have seemed appropriate. If he did, my bad and I just didn't see it. Certainly saw/heard other players do so.

Something about Roy and Clyde has always kind of felt like betrayal to me. Like those guys seem to have given the city of Portland and us as fans a Giant Middle finger on the way out...

In Clydes case I get him leaving, I know his history and ties to Houston and all that. Once he left though it was like in his mind he never played here. In my opinion if he even tried to ingratiate himselfs with the fans here after he left, acted thankful for the support he got from us, been “nice” for lack of a better word for it, he would be considered far and away the Best Blazer ever, but instead he has distanced himself never has a good thing to say about the city or anything. Say what you want about Bill Walton but the dude has nothing but good things to say, hasnt shied away from things, and Dame is masterful in representing Portland and us as fans.

 

[kjironman1]

I object to those "Blazer Injury" items in black that strike me as twisted counterproductive humor attempts. The Blazers need confidence builders from here on out as they have plenty of adversity to overcome. They need to be building toward a peak, and making cheap shot derogatory comments does not build confidence or energize our Blazers. Let's give them credit and encourage them when we can, as we still are in the running for WC and NBA Championships this year!

April Fools!

 

[Scalma]

I object to those "Blazer Injury" items in black that strike me as twisted counterproductive humor attempts. The Blazers need confidence builders from here on out as they have plenty of adversity to overcome. They need to be building toward a peak, and making cheap shot derogatory comments does not build confidence or energize our Blazers. Let's give them credit and encourage them when we can, as we still are in the running for WC and NBA Championships this year!

What did Meyers have for breakfast today?

 

[TBpup]

@Darkwebs needs to be put in check here!

I don't see anything even close to being out of the realm of distinct possibility there.

 

[kjironman1]

CJ read and posted on this forum.

But was it really CJ? @ThePosterFormerlyKnownAsTheHCP

 

[TBpup]

Something about Roy and Clyde has always kind of felt like betrayal to me. Like those guys seem to have given the city of Portland and us as fans a Giant Middle finger on the way out...

In Clydes case I get him leaving, I know his history and ties to Houston and all that. Once he left though it was like in his mind he never played here. In my opinion if he even tried to ingratiate himselfs with the fans here after he left, acted thankful for the support he got from us, been “nice” for lack of a better word for it, he would be considered far and away the Best Blazer ever, but instead he has distanced himself never has a good thing to say about the city or anything. Say what you want about Bill Walton but the dude has nothing but good things to say, hasnt shied away from things, and Dame is masterful in representing Portland and us as fans.

I wish Clyde 'owned' his time here in Portland a little more but give him a lot more latitude for a couple of reasons. He got to got 'home' and play for his local franchise. Then he won a title there and now works for the club. He gave most of his career to Portland and took them on a 3-year run not equaled before or since.

Roy didn't go to the Sonics, never came close to the post-season prowess here of Clyde, and doesn't work for any home town club. I get that wasn't possible but the fact that he is a 20 minute plane ride up the road makes it even worse. It's close, we are the closest NBA franchise and 95+% of his career was here. Complete disrespect from to Portland and it's fans in IMO.

 

[Chris Craig]

Something about Roy and Clyde has always kind of felt like betrayal to me. Like those guys seem to have given the city of Portland and us as fans a Giant Middle finger on the way out...

In Clydes case I get him leaving, I know his history and ties to Houston and all that. Once he left though it was like in his mind he never played here. In my opinion if he even tried to ingratiate himselfs with the fans here after he left, acted thankful for the support he got from us, been “nice” for lack of a better word for it, he would be considered far and away the Best Blazer ever, but instead he has distanced himself never has a good thing to say about the city or anything. Say what you want about Bill Walton but the dude has nothing but good things to say, hasnt shied away from things, and Dame is masterful in representing Portland and us as fans.

Clyde felt like a betrayal because he left and won a championship the next year. Though several Blazers have done this, none hurt so bad as Clyde. He turned his back on Portland.

Brandon was just in denial his career was over and tried to convince himself otherwise in Minnesota. I feel bad for him.

 

[Strenuus]

LMFAO the injury list thing is THE BEST THING EVER. That needs to be done more often. HUMOR IS GOOD.

Especially when it's the truth. Truth hurts, don't it?

 

[jlprk]

Darkwebs' joke isn't a one-time April Fools Day joke as several have inferred. It's been a repeating gag lately. It's getting old, so how about ending it after this one.

Pro-Roy: He took the Wolves' $5 million as anyone would. I voted no, I didn't feel betrayed. Anti-Roy: He should visit a Blazer game annually.

Although many other ex-Blazers should visit sometime, too. Sabonis has been back once, and acted like he hated being here (because he does--he was anti-social as a player here too). Few of these guys we worship return the love. In contrast, Terry Porter finally left after trying to get something going for years. The Blazers wouldn't take him as an assistant coach.

 

[wizenheimer]

Clyde felt like a betrayal because he left and won a championship the next year. Though several Blazers have done this, none hurt so bad as Clyde. He turned his back on Portland.

ok now, I had to 'refresh' my memory on this

the Drexler-Porter-Buck-Kersey team had run it's course. Portland was obviously headed for a 're-tool' and maybe even a rebuild. Rod Strickland had replaced Porter as the starting PG and Cliff Robinson had replaced Kersey as the starting SF. And Rick Adelman had been fired the season before

further, Drexler, Porter, and Kersey all had expiring contracts. It was the end of the line

IIRC, Drexler asked management if they could arrange a trade to Houston since he was hoping to sign for his hometown team as a free agent. The front office accommodated his request and received Otis Thorpe and a 1st round pick. Drexler gave Portland a great 11.5 seasons. He made about 31.3 million in his career and the highest salary he ever had in Portland was a shade under 1.6M. In his 1st year in Houston, they gave him 9.8M. In fact, Clyde made nearly 22M for three years in Houston, and about 10M for 11+ years in Portland. And he won a ring in Houston

the only thing I remember that had some 'turn-his-back' vibe to it was when he wore a Rockets Jersey instead of a Blazer jersey to that 50 greatest NBA players ceremony. He grew up in Houston, went to high school and college there, had/has a big family there, made 2/3 of his total NBA salary there, and won a ring there. Sure, I would have liked if he had been a little more invested in Portland but I do understand his affection for all things Houston. Also, it sure seems like he's always been very complementary about Portland and Paul Allen whenever it was brought up

maybe I've got some of that wrong?

 

[Strenuus]

Darkwebs' joke isn't a one-time April Fools Day joke as several have inferred. It's been a repeating gag lately. It's getting old, so how about ending it after this one.

Pro-Roy: He took the Wolves' $5 million as anyone would. I voted no, I didn't feel betrayed. Anti-Roy: He should visit a Blazer game annually.

Although many other ex-Blazers should visit sometime, too. Sabonis has been back once, and acted like he hated being here (because he does--he was anti-social as a player here too). Few of these guys we worship return the love. In contrast, Terry Porter finally left after trying to get something going for years. The Blazers wouldn't take him as an assistant coach.

I vote no. He keeps it going! It's one of the best things about this forum!

DW, I got you! KEEP DOING IT!