Game 20: Blazers vs. Heat, 7:00pm KGW
Written by Sheed   
Tuesday, 01 December 2009 07:09

Thanksgiving weekend wasn't exactly the relaxing and happy time it should have been in Portland. For fans, players and everyone else involved. It became a subtle finger pointing session, following back to back losses against Memphis and Utah.

I missed the Memphis game due to social obligations at the Oregon coast. But from what I heard it was a complete nightmare. 18-0 runs, 34-2 runs, Memphis rolling, I'm kind of glad I missed it.

Regarding the Utah game, I was thankful it was on KGW until I actually started watching. The Jazz came right out and punched the Blazers in the mouth. It was over within 10 minutes. They shot lights out, moved the ball well, rebounded better, and the Blazers just looked discombobulated.

Portland needs to stop the bleeding tonight. A win against the Heat would be a step in the right direction. There are two long road trips looming this month, winning games at home is key. Let's take down Dwayne Wade and the Heat!

Miami Heat coverage at the Heat Blog.

Click over for the breakdowns:

Blazers Analysis Heat

PG

Mario Chalmers is to Dwayne Wade what Steve Blake is to Brandon Roy. Complimentary starting point guards who defer to their superstar backcourt mate. Chalmers is a younger defender and capable of more offensively- but the Blazers have a nice back-up plan in Andre Miller. Carlos Arroyo doesn't get much run, so I like our tandem to get the offense going tonight and win the match-up.

PG

SG

Typically I'd look at this match-up as one of the "marquee caliber." Wade has been his usual self this year but Roy has been up and down. The Blazers are currently dealing with some chemistry and structural concerns so it's tough to know what to expect out of Roy. Rudy should get it going at home but I have a bad feeling Wade goes D-Wade tonight.

SG

SF

Martell Webster has shown some serious signs of offensive life lately, but there have also been some dud performances. This seems like an ideal game and match-up for Marty to get it going again. Dante Cunningham has also looked solid in limited time. I just don't see the aging Quentin Richardson or James Jones doing a whole lot here. Blazers take the match-up.

SF

PF

The same issues LaMarcus Aldridge experienced early last year, are showing up again. He gets out-played physically by bigger, stronger guys like Carlos Boozer. He also relies on a fade away jumper or some other inefficient idea of scoring. He'll need to commit to his position to take on Beasley and Haslem. In his last 6 games, Beasley has averaged nearly 18 points and just over 9 boards. He's starting to come on and will be a handful for our forwards.

PF

C

 One important caveat for this game and this match-up is the potential unavailability of Jermaine O'Neal. He's dealing with personal issues and may not make the trip. The good news for Portland, is that if he does, it won't matter. The one true bright spot for Portland this year has been Greg Oden. His game is improving, the spot light is off him, it's all good for Greg. As long as he keeps working on defense and hitting the boards, he'll have a nice game and lead Portland to a big win.

C

Overall Winner:



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written by Brett Warnock, December 01, 2009
I've got nothing personal against the guy, but as a coach, McMillan needs to go. He's neither an X's and O's guy, nor is he a player's coach who can inspire a team to excellence.


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