Game 50 Preview: Oklahoma City at Portland
by Zorgon on Feb 9, 2010 6:52 PM CST
in Gameday
100 comments
This also counts as an open thread, so feel free to post your thoughts during the game here.
Time: 9:00 PM Central Standard Time
Place: The Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
TV: Fox Sports Net Oklahoma, Comcast Sports Net Northwest
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1)
Enemy Blog(s): Bust a Bucket, A Stern Warning, Blazersedge
Previous Meeting(s): Nov. 1
Last time we met the Trail Blazers, it was early in November, and they beat us by a good margin. The whole game was a slew of defense and fouls, and Kevin Durant had one of the worst games of his career. Our team has changed a bit, since we have Eric Maynor instead of Kevin Ollie and Serge Ibaka instead of Etan Thomas. The Blazers are also a bit different, as they have Juwan Howard instead of Greg Oden, Outlaw is out, and Miller and Bayless are now getting minutes over Blake. But, most importantly, Brandon Roy is out with an ankle injury.
Basically, this means two things. For one, it means the game will be very different. The Trail Blazers won't be so defensively oriented, and the Thunder's replacements will be a bit more offensively efficient. As a result, you'll see more open and reasonable shot attempts, leading to a much more watchable game than last time. Secondly, it also means the dice are loaded in our favour. The Blazers are missing Oden and Outlaw, two big components in their last victory. At the same time, we have upgraded our PG and C positions, making our team more deadly. And, did I mention that Roy is out?
Below: Matchups, Prediction
Matchups:
Center: Nenad Krstic vs. Juwan Howard
Juwan Howard is old, but something tells me that he'll be able to keep up with Nenad for the most part. Expect an average game from both of them.
Power Forward: Jeff Green vs. Lamarcus Aldridge
Last time, Jeff Green was actually moderately successful, being that this game is very slasher-oriented. I'd say he'll do the same tonight, while limiting Aldridge to a sub-par performance.
Small Forward: Kevin Durant vs. Martell Webster
Last time, both of these guys, in essence, cancelled each other out. This time, Kevin Durant should have the upper hand, giving that the last game was one of the worst in his career, and that he has overcome better defenders than Webster.
Shooting Guard: Thabo Sefolosha vs. Jerryd Bayless
Bayless is more of a slasher type, so Sefolosha will have some trouble against him. Nevertheless, don't expect a huge game from him, just a slightly above-average one.
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook vs. Andre Miller
Andre Miller will be decent, but Russell Westbrook will have a great game, because he's a natural slasher, and Miller is only an average defender.
Battle of the Benches:
The Trail Blazers are depleted, but they still have a decent bench, all things considered. Expect Batum and Blake to be potential threats.
Coaching and Intangibles:
The Trail Blazers are at home, but they're also injured, so it's about even.
Bottom Line:
If the Thunder can focus on slashing to the basket and preventing the Trail Blazers from doing so, they should be able to win the game. I know it sounds simple, but without Brandon Roy, the Trail Blazers have a huge scoring hole on their team. And as long as any single player isn't able to step up and be a main contributor, the Thunder should win the game. It's a simple game, and it should be a simple win.
Prediction: Oklahoma City 97, Portland 90
How do you think the game will go? Vote in the Poll!
And, again, feel free to drop any comments you might have during, before, or after the game below. I'll be by to drop my thoughts as well. Go Thunder!
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Alright OKC, prove me wrong on this one!
Go Thunder!
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 7:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Batum
Just saw on the Blazers’ blog that Batum will be starting at SF and Webster will slide to SG while Bayless rides pine.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 7:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
kinda...
wanted to see what bayless can do
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 7:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
this game...
starts in like 20 minutes or in an hour and 20 minutes?
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 7:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ah ok thanks
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 7:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i cant vote i like both teams equally
go Thulazers!!!! i guess!!! this sux i hate these games ….
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by bouzi on Feb 9, 2010 7:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rebounds
They’ve gotta get these rebounds under control. Blazers are getting second chances almost every time.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
that sucks...
more Ibaka!
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 9:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why...
am i so nervous about how this game is going?
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Because you should be.
If OKC doesn’t do a better job on the boards this is going to get ugly fast. Portland is doing a pretty bad job shooting and when they kick it into gear the Thunder can’t be giving them all these chances.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, we're up by 10!!!!
What’s up my Thunder brothas???
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 9:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Kidder
Yeah we went on a little run there but the game is a lot closer than the score would entail.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 9:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I just got the kiddos to bed so I missed most of the first except that sweet pass by Harden!
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
im...
just get bad nervous feelings sometimes.
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 9:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Blown call.
Nice job by Batum to take himself out on the rim.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 9:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I guess
Batum was right about KD’s d
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 9:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Gonna be hard
With Ibaka already in foul trouble.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really need KD to start hitting his shots. He’s getting decent looks but his shots just aren’t falling.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stop the fouls already
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
by daddydai on Feb 9, 2010 10:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ya...
fouls fouls fouls, this game is hard to listen to.
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 10:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
tied. yuck.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
by daddydai on Feb 9, 2010 10:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
wow...
awful quarter
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 10:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nasty
Thunder shooting nearly as bad as the Blazers now.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rick
joinin ya with that nervous feeling!
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
A look on the bright side
The first and second were a wash. The third is where we thrive and D-up the fourth.
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh man!!!
He’ll feel that in the morning!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Webster
Went down hard. Got up on his own though.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That sucks for the blazers.
I hope he is okay.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
by daddydai on Feb 9, 2010 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
One good thing
Is that he came down flat instead of on a hip or tailbone. Prob just got the wind knocked out.
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
KD 4 Three!!!!!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
WTF!!!!!
Was that!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding me?
How many easy layups do you have to miss?
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Just ugly
One of the ugliest games I’ve seen for the Thunder in a while. All the fouls being called on both teams are making it damned near unwatchable.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Aldridge
is killing us
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Big rebound Krstic
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Chant it with me now
Ibaka, Ibaka, Ibaka……
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Same team guys!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Another ugly quarter.
I keep telling myself that the shots are going to start falling, but they don’t.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 10:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My optimism is waning!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How the Hell
did that shot go in from Green
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yes!
got to leave work early, get to actually watch this game on my computer!
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 10:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Just when I thought it couldn't get any uglier
It did! But we’re up
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rick
It’s liable to burn your eyes!!! lol
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 10:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ya..
not the best bball
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 11:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hell Yes
There we go!!!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He's out to prove he's legit
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What's not to love about Harden!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
KD
I didn’t notice he picked up the 10th rebound for the double double.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 11:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Collison Baby
Charge that up!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
so...
are we deliberately trying blow this game?
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 11:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Strong rebound
IBAKA!!!!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ibaka's 5th foul
Going to be bad if he fouls out here quickly.
by belt on Feb 9, 2010 11:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ya...
but time is on our side
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 11:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon
The refs are killin us now
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We need this one
Badly
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Green
I know we have KD, but why aren’t we playing the 2-man game with KD and Green. He has Miller trying to check him right now. Should be posting Green up or having KD and Green running the screen and roll game.
by ThunderHorn on Feb 9, 2010 11:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tonight's secret word: Blue
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
by daddydai on Feb 9, 2010 11:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This one's over
KD Clutch!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
quietest 33 point game I’ve ever seen.
by ThunderHorn on Feb 9, 2010 11:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This one was a team effort tonight!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
KD to Batum:
Go back to the kids table. This is a man’s game.
by ThunderHorn on Feb 9, 2010 11:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
now here come the FTs
next 1:32 will take an hour.
by ThunderHorn on Feb 9, 2010 11:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The result will be the same
THUNDER WINS!!!!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ya feelin better now?
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haha...
not until where in the playoffs, haha
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 11:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yea but this helped a bunch
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
HUGE!!!!!!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
6 in a row!
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Can KD get 6,000 before the end of the season?
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
by daddydai on Feb 9, 2010 11:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Possible
but doubt it. He’d have to get 30 a night
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He is doing that already.
Maybe a good push into the playoffs will secure 6k.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
by daddydai on Feb 9, 2010 11:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
see ya!
good win
Loud City via Far East
by rickpidero on Feb 9, 2010 11:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Been Fun
See ya after the ASB
I've got a three inch vertical
by Kidder on Feb 9, 2010 11:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Win #30
yeah boiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
who woulda thunk it at the beginning of the year? 30 wins at the All-Star break.
by ThunderHorn on Feb 9, 2010 11:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
time to start talking about a top 4 seed and home court in road 1…only 2 games back.
by mleetch352 on Feb 10, 2010 12:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
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Northwest Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denver
|
43 | 21 | .671 | 0 | Won 4 |
|
Utah
|
42 | 22 | .656 | 1 | Won 4 |
|
Oklahoma City
|
39 | 24 | .619 | 3.5 | Won 3 |
|
Portland
|
38 | 28 | .575 | 6 | Won 1 |
|
Minnesota
|
14 | 51 | .215 | 29.5 | Lost 7 |
(updated 3.11.2010 at 3:21 AM CST)
Thunder Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
New Jersey
|
Fri 03/12 | 7:00 PM CST |
|
Utah
|
Sun 03/14 | 6:00 PM CDT |
|
@
Charlotte
|
Wed 03/17 | 6:00 PM CDT |
|
@
Toronto
|
Fri 03/19 | 6:00 PM CDT |
|
@
Indiana
|
Sun 03/21 | 1:30 PM CDT |
Last 5 Games
|
New Orleans
|
Wed 03/10 | W 98 - 83 |
|
@
Sacramento
|
Sun 03/07 | W 108 - 102 |
|
@
Los Angeles Clippers
|
Fri 03/05 | W 104 - 87 |
|
@
Denver
|
Wed 03/03 | L 90 - 119 |
|
Sacramento
|
Tue 03/02 | W 113 - 107 |
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