The Blazers... alone in FIRST PLACE in the NW Division..

[LittleAlex]

Portland also is #4 in the West in point differential, so it's not like they've been particularly lucky with winning close games, either.

Of course, one of the West teams ahead of Portland in point differential is Denver, and they are well ahead. But then, I'd be shocked if Portland ended the season ahead of Denver considering how injured Portland is. If Portland finishes with the fourth seed, I'd be amazed and really impressed. Any playoff spot would be impressive, though.

Denver is suffering through injury issues as well. No Carmello, no Billups and Birdman is down.

If Denver is fully healthy then I would agree Portland can't stay ahead of them. But if Carmello misses significant time then the Thuggets are in real trouble. They would have to count on Knucklehead Smith to carry the scoring load. Not a great prospect for them.

 

[Kaydow]

Denver is suffering through injury issues as well. No Carmello, no Billups and Birdman is down.

If Denver is fully healthy then I would agree Portland can't stay ahead of them. But if Carmello misses significant time then the Thuggets are in real trouble. They would have to count on Knucklehead Smith to carry the scoring load. Not a great prospect for them.

Mello has a knee bruise. He may miss tomorrow's game vs Golden State, but then they have 2 days off. He'll play Friday vs. Cleveland. Birdman probably out for a week.

You know George Karl is pointing to the success the Blazers have had playing shorthanded.

 

[Crimson the Cat]

Portland also is #4 in the West in point differential, so it's not like they've been particularly lucky with winning close games, either.

Of course, one of the West teams ahead of Portland in point differential is Denver, and they are well ahead. But then, I'd be shocked if Portland ended the season ahead of Denver considering how injured Portland is. If Portland finishes with the fourth seed, I'd be amazed and really impressed. Any playoff spot would be impressive, though.

If you think about it, Portland will be a very, very dangerous team to play in the Playoffs. With the steady, periodic additions of Aldridge and Blake; Fernandez; then Batum, Portland will have gradually strengthened their offense and defense heading into April. Our record or playoff placement won't be an indicator of how good this team really is and should make for an intriguing match up in the Postseason.

 

[Minstrel]

If you think about it, Portland will be a very, very dangerous team to play in the Playoffs. With the steady, periodic additions of Aldridge and Blake; Fernandez; then Batum, Portland will have gradually strengthened their offense and defense heading into April. Our record or playoff placement won't be an indicator of how good this team really is and should make for an intriguing match up in the Postseason.

Yeah, agreed. Also, if we assume that some part of Portland's recent good play is due to on-court chemistry of guys learning to play with each other (and I think that's probably the case), then getting guys back one by one will allow the team to slowly adjust, integrating one player at a time. Hopefully, until they have everyone back this season except Oden and Przybilla and are still a tightly efficient unit.

Hopefully, anyway.

 

[hasoos]

Yeah, agreed. Also, if we assume that some part of Portland's recent good play is due to on-court chemistry of guys learning to play with each other (and I think that's probably the case), then getting guys back one by one will allow the team to slowly adjust, integrating one player at a time. Hopefully, until they have everyone back this season except Oden and Przybilla and are still a tightly efficient unit.

Hopefully, anyway.

That which does not kill us shall make us stronger! Making the playoffs makes the team that much stronger for the next year if nothing else, and finally, KP will know what his bench guys can do for clarification in the decision making process.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

So my team plays a good game, which helps your team move up and THIS is your response?

Try saying something positive about Durant and watch the responses you get.

 

[oldguy]

That which does not kill us shall make us stronger! Making the playoffs makes the team that much stronger for the next year if nothing else, and finally, KP will know what his bench guys can do for clarification in the decision making process.

Oh, crap....you said 'next year.' Debbie Downer will be on you like stink on poop.

Go Blazers

 

[andalusian]

Oh, crap....you said 'next year.' Debbie Downer will be on you like stink on poop.

With Debbie's recent infatuation with the Thunder and the Griz, I am really waiting for the movie "Debbie does Memphis".

 

[BrianFromWA]

With how the Mavs own us recently, I'd rather she did Dallas again. At least make their legs tired.

Get her friend Phyllis Phuckyu to do PHI and Gladys Gutshot to do Golden State, and we're set.