Game Thread GAME# 82: BLAZERS @ MAVERICKS - APRIL 15, 2015 - WEDNESDAY, 5:00 PM (PST), CSNNW

[Darkwebs]

VS

2014-15 Regular Season Records
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
51-30 (19-21 Road)
DALLAS MAVERICKS
49-32 (26-14 Home)



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WHEN: 5:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, 4/15/2015

WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

TV BROADCAST:

RADIO BROADCAST:

​

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

BLAKE , FRAZIER , CRABBE

GEE , FREELAND , LEONARD

DALLAS MAVERICKS

BAREA , FELTON , JEFFERSON , AMINU

VILLANUEVA , POWELL , STOUDEMIRE , JAMES



INJURIES
TRAIL BLAZERS
Chris Kaman (back injury): OUT
C.J. McCollum (left ankle sprain): OUT
Nicolas Batum: (right knee injury): OUT
Arron Afflalo (strained right shoulder): OUT
Dorell Wright (fractured left hand): OUT
Wesley Matthews (ruptured left Achilles’ tendon): OUT
MAVERICKS
Devin Harris (left great toe injury): OUT
Chandler Parsons (left ankle injury): OUT



HEAD COACHES

- VS –

TERRY STOTTS --- RICK CARLISLE




BLAZERS' OFFICIAL GAME NOTES ​

• Wednesday marks the fourth and final matchup between the Trail Blazers and Mavericks in 2014-15.

• Portland has won two of its three games against Dallas this season, with both of its wins coming by an average of 20.0 points.

• A win would give the Trail Blazers their first season series victory over Dallas since 2009-10 (3-1).

• In the most recent game between these two teams on March 5 (POR 94, DAL 75), LaMarcus Aldridge (17 pts, 12 reb) and Nicolas Batum (15 pts, 12 reb) both recorded double-doubles for Portland.

• LaMarcus Aldridge has averaged 20.6 points and 11.0 rebounds in three games against Dallas this season (two double-doubles).

• CJ McCollum has averaged 7.6 points in three games off the bench against Dallas this season, while shooting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.

• The last time these two teams met in Dallas on Feb. 7, Dallas closed the fourth quarter on a 13-2 run over the final 2:50 to force overtime (W, 111-101).

• HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY:
ALL TIME: Trail Blazers lead, 77-65
IN PORTLAND: Trail Blazers lead, 49-21
IN DALLAS: Mavericks lead 44-28

MAVERICKS' OFFICIAL GAME NOTES



GO BLAZERS!!!​

 

[jlprk]

Batum is shorter than McCollum? No on can possibly be shorter than that little shrimp!

 

[BigGameDamian]

Good, Another game to rest our players. Win or loose it wont matter at this point.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Are LMA, CJ and Batum all really probable for this game? Hard to believe.

 

[BlazerBeav]

 

[KingSpeed]

Stotts says he wants to play everybody if they can.

 

[riverman]

I was thinking we'd see Frazier against Felton starting this game

 

[KingSpeed]

I may not make it through this game. I can't get into games that mean nothing.

 

[Strenuus]

Good, Another game to rest our players. Win or loose it wont matter at this point.

Well, at least we don't have to worry that we may lose. Just feelin' loose out there!

 

[kjironman1]

Blazers going to the Playoffs.....

For me this is really all about matchups and the availability of players who are healthy. The Blazers have some very good players that work well with each other when healthy and rested. At this point i would expect LaMarcus Aldridge to be fairly well rested and in good shape going into the Playoffs. The word on Nic is this was a simple Bruise (Contusion) and he will be fine. This extended period off should do him well. Looks like he will get 5-6 days rest. I would expect Coach Stotts to take no chances tonight with his starting PG but absolutely he should get the start. I agree that all players that can play should at least see the court to stay sharp. However i do question if they should take a chance on Kaman's back? This guy has been in the league for a long time. He knows how to stay sharp and plays off the bench. There is no question they need him.

The "Expectations" are just that. Expectations have a tendency to create resentments when they are not reached. We as Blazer fans need to be careful here. I am one of the biggest Kool-aide drinking Homers in the land when it comes to the Blazers but cooling off expectations is something i have to do on a regular basis. Just about every pregame i write is laced with "Homerism" and i sometimes have to re-write things. Last year i hoped for the playoffs. This year i expected the playoffs. Last year when they got to the playoffs i hoped for a good showing. This year i hope for another series win. Fact is there are 8 great teams in the playoffs this year for the western conference. The injury riddle has not been solved nor will it ever be. Every team is at risk every minute to lose a solid player. Lets hope it doesn't come to something like that.

Hats off to a absolutely magnificent run by the Warriors this year. They deserve the #1 seed. What can you say about the Spurs? If they win tonight they will have sewn up the 2nd seed. Huge battle for the 8th position also involves the Thunder and Pelicans. Something tells me the Thunder who play the T-Wolves will prevail. I am betting the Spurs will want to get a win vs the Pels in San Antonio. They avoid Golden State until the finals with a win. Pop knows what that means.

Right now the Blazers play Houston. If the Rockets lose and the Griz win then we will be playing the Griz. Again if Houston wins? Then the Clippers tie with them and have the same conference record as well. Division record then comes into play and it will be the rockets in the 5th position because neither won a division out right. It can make you head spin.

My point is that of the 8 teams this year in the West there are some really good teams. 4 of them are going fishing after the first round. The Blazers have as good a chance as any to turn a series with a win on the road. I know all of us faithful will be on the edge of our seat during every game.

Enjoy the ride Blazer Fans! It is a great day to be a Blazer fan and this team is a lot of fun to cheer for. Far removed from just a few short years ago....

kjironman is a fan!!!

 

[kjironman1]

Stotts says he wants to play everybody if they can.

I have read that Nic is out but yes LA will play. Of course you know the rest. Wes, AAA, Wright.....

 

[kjironman1]

I was thinking we'd see Frazier against Felton starting this game

Very likely you will see a few dribbles off of feet.

 

[kjironman1]

I may not make it through this game. I can't get into games that mean nothing.

I most likely will be jumping from game to game. Tonight is huge for NBA standing. This is a fun day to watch games.

 

[MAS RipCity]

Hopefully Meyers and Joel continue to flourish with big minutes. That confidence could be huge for them heading into the postseason.

 

[kjironman1]

Right now the Blazers play Houston. If the Rockets lose and the Griz win then we will be playing the Griz. Again if Houston wins? Then the Clippers tie with them and have the same conference record as well. Division record then comes into play and it will be the rockets in the 5th position because neither won a division out right. It can make you head spin.

I could be wrong on this???? Do the Clippers have the 3rd Seed wrapped up?
Honestly it is getting confusing. I know the Clippers have played all of their games. Houston could tie them but neither have a division title. This really gets tight....
Here is a look.
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...ff_picture_western_conference_tiebreaker.html

 

[KingSpeed]

Great enthusiasm and attitude, kj. There is another thread that breaks down the seeding. Check it out. Also, SA does not play in San Antonio tonight. They're in NO.

 

[KingSpeed]

Oh. Your link has everything too.

 

[kjironman1]

Great enthusiasm and attitude, kj. There is another thread that breaks down the seeding. Check it out. Also, SA does not play in San Antonio tonight. They're in NO.

Sure is tough being a "Homer" sometimes. But they will play tough in the playoffs and it will be a great time watching them!

 

[Darkwebs]

Looks like LaMarcus is definitely playing, but Kaman, CJ, and Nic are all out.

 

[kjironman1]

Looks like LaMarcus is definitely playing, but Kaman, CJ, and Nic are all out.

I'm good with that.

 

[riverman]

Good to see Dame hit his first shot

 

[riverman]

Is this the 20th or 21st different starting lineup?

 

[BBert]

Good to see Dame hit his first shot

Awesome!

Now sit his ass down.

 

[EGame]

Gee plays good defense.

 

[EGame]

and plays horrible offense lol

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I don't see the Blazers winning a game the rest of the regular season.

 

[S550]

I don't know what it is but I'm officially concerned for the playoffs

 

[KingSpeed]

Spurs are playing their starters. Rockets leading. This is all good.

 

[KingSpeed]

I don't know what it is but I'm officially concerned for the playoffs

No worries. This is a preseason game, Aldridge shaking off the rust.

 

[riverman]

Lamarcus needs a bucket