Why so down?

[LittleAlex]

Again though. That defensive rating is great, but it's based on games against a lot of really poor teams.

I think Portland IS a better raod team against the scrub teams than last season, but until they consistantly beat good teams on the road they really aren't any better overall.

So far Portland has been testen on the road by

Memphis
Minnesota
Charlotte
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
Houston

The only two teams that could be considered good are Houston and OKC, and both of them will probably end up missing the playoffs. Or at best, battling for the 8th seed.

In the past four years Portland would have lost at least 4 of the games listed above just because they were on the road.

This year they punished those teams.

I happen to think that is significant.

I don't think losing to Atlanta (if they do) will be the end of the world. The 5th game in 7 nights tends to be one teams lose.

On the plus side Oden's foul troubles have kept him fresh this road trip
Perhaps he can have another good game but play longer then 17 minutes.

If Oden plays 28 to 30 minutes tonight, Portland wins going away.