Trail_Blazer76
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<font color="red">Blazers: 21-25 (Lost 1)</font> <font color="darkorange">Suns: 18-31 (Won 1)</font>
<font color="red">By Trail_Blazer 76</font>
When: Wednesday, February 4th
Where: American West Arena
Time: 6:00pm ET
Probable Starters
Key Matchup
Zach Randolph vs Amare Stoudemire
The same key matchup as the last time these two teams met, and for good reason. Last time these two battled it out and there was only a 1 point and 1 board difference in their stats. This will be Randolph's first game since finding out that he will not be an allstar. If he's anything like Kmart, he'll be trying to prove something to the coaches that snubbed him.
Amare brings his game every night. He still isn't seen as much of a scoring force, but when he wants to, he can score in the paint at will. Especially considering that Z-bo doesn't care much to try and stop people. Amare will get his usually boards in addition to owning the paint offensively.
X-factors
Dale Davis & Leandro Barbosa
Although he disagrees with it, Dale Davis is slowly accepting his role as a bench player. I have a feeling that tonight he may get more minutes than normal. Assuming that Sheed starts at center, and plays hard, Davis will come into the game playing against an already sub-par Jake Voskuhl. Like most teams the Suns lack a true center, and he'll be even worse after dealing with Sheed (assuming that Sheed plays the post). Worst case scenario he'll be put up against Jahidi White, who only plays 15mpg anyway.
Leandro Barbosa is excellent from three, and with 5 inches on Mouse can easily shoot over him. The Blazers have superior rebounder, so he'd better made sure that his shot is falling. If he can pick up his offense game, the Suns could have another Marbury-Amare-Matrix trio, which would be deadly against most teams.
They've won four of their last 5, all on the road. Nearing .500 and staying in playoff contention. Experimenting with their starting 5, and staying out of trouble. This game won't be a cake-walk, but won't be impossible to win either. Points in the paint in the only real way for the Suns to score. Preventing this, and fast break points should get the Blazers a win.
Offensively, the Blazers have been playing 4 on 5, because DA has been a non-factor. He can never be ignored, but his man can sag into the post and help guard Sheed and Randolph. In this game the Blazers have superior rebounders, so the Suns will need to limit their points in the paint. They'll also need someone other than Marion to carry some of the offensive load.
<font color="red">***Trail_Blazer76's Prediction***</font>
Confidence is key, and the Suns just don't have it. I don't think they'll remain at the bottom of the west, but they won't get a win tonight.
Blazers by 9.
anyways good call!
