Preseason Preview

The Blazers are persevering despite a litany of injuries this season. Greg Oden played in just 21 games before suffering a season-ending injury, Travis Outlaw has been out a couple months and will probably be out a couple more due to a stress fracture, Rudy Fernandez missed a month and a half and just recently returned from a back injury, Joel Przybilla ruptured his patella tendon and is out for the season, and Brandon Roy has been fighting through a strained hamstring.

Despite all the injuries they are tied for fourth in the Western Conference. It’s difficult to see them competing with the top teams in the West without a true center. With the smaller lineup they can outrun teams and can create some mismatches by forcing a center out of the paint but it’s definitely a disadvantage on the defensive end.

Ready to Breakout vs. Reality: I thought this would be the year. I thought Greg Oden would stay healthy and would become the inside presence this team needs. But he fractured his left patella in a collision with Aaron Brooks and is out the rest of the season.

Over the Hill vs. Reality: Juwan Howard has seen his minutes double since Oden and Pryzbilla’s injuries and he’s done well for them. He’s just a solid veteran player that is fitting in well coming off the bench.

Worst Moment: On December 5, Brandon Roy hit a game-winning bucket vs. the Rockets. But this was the same game Greg Oden suffered another season-ending injury.

Best Moment: On December 25, they won their fourth game in a row. They beat the Heat, Mavericks and Spurs on the road and then beat the Nuggets at home.

Best Case Scenario: They finish in the top four in the West and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

Worst Case Scenario: Their lack of size proves to be too much of a disadvantage and they fall out of the playoffs.

NBA Midseason Reports