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!
Batum
Just saw on the Blazers’ blog that Batum will be starting at SF and Webster will slide to SG while Bayless rides pine.
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!!!!!
Rebounds
They’ve gotta get these rebounds under control. Blazers are getting second chances almost every time.
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.
Hey Kidder
Yeah we went on a little run there but the game is a lot closer than the score would entail.
Blown call.
Nice job by Batum to take himself out on the rim.
Gonna be hard
With Ibaka already in foul trouble.
Nasty
Thunder shooting nearly as bad as the Blazers now.
A look on the bright side
The first and second were a wash. The third is where we thrive and D-up the fourth.
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
Are you kidding me?
How many easy layups do you have to miss?
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.
Another ugly quarter.
I keep telling myself that the shots are going to start falling, but they don’t.
yes!
got to leave work early, get to actually watch this game on my computer!
Loud City via Far East
KD
I didn’t notice he picked up the 10th rebound for the double double.
Ibaka's 5th foul
Going to be bad if he fouls out here quickly.
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.
KD to Batum:
Go back to the kids table. This is a man’s game.
now here come the FTs
next 1:32 will take an hour.
He is doing that already.
Maybe a good push into the playoffs will secure 6k.
Your friendly neighborhood Loud City resident.
Win #30
yeah boiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
who woulda thunk it at the beginning of the year? 30 wins at the All-Star break.
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Northwest Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denver
|
53 | 29 | .646 | 0 | Lost 1 |
|
Utah
|
53 | 29 | .646 | 0 | Lost 4 |
|
Oklahoma City
|
50 | 32 | .609 | 3 | Lost 2 |
|
Portland
|
50 | 32 | .609 | 3 | Lost 2 |
|
Minnesota
|
15 | 67 | .182 | 38 | Lost 7 |
(updated 9.2.2010 at 4:09 PM CDT)
Thunder Schedule
Last 5 Games
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Fri 04/30 | L 94 - 95 |
|
@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Tue 04/27 | L 87 - 111 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Sat 04/24 | W 110 - 89 |
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Thu 04/22 | W 101 - 96 |
|
@
Los Angeles Lakers
|
Tue 04/20 | L 92 - 95 |
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