Jan 7th vs Detroit Pistons Gametime 7 pm Pacific Time CSN The last time these two teams met it was in Detroit on November 30th. And the Blazers started off their five game road trip by beating the Pistons by 11 points, 96-85. NBATV has a recap of the game here, and there is a postgame interview with LaMarcus Aldridge as well as video highlights by DMKPDX.No doubt the Pistons and Rasheed Wallace will be coming to Portland looking for revenge. This isn't the same Pistons team we've known over the past few seasons. There have been a number of changes. But they are still capable of putting a whoopin on us. The question that remains night in and night out which Pistons team will show up. The one that cares or the one that doesn’t. That in and of itself often starts with Rasheed. Throw in AI to the mix and once again we have a bit of a mystery on our hands. Neither of these two players are likely to wear a Pistons jersey next year, so they do have some incentive to perform this season that might not otherwise be there. Both teams play Sunday and will have a couple of days off before facing each other Wednesday night in the Rose Garden. Both teams are a little banged up. For the Pistons Rip Hamilton has missed some time recently due to a groin injury, Antonio McDyess has had sore ribs and Rasheed Wallace has missed time with a foot injury. Due to the injuries its anyones guess what their starting lineup will end up being. Things could certainly change between now and gametime. Brandon Roy will not be available to play for the Blazers, for this game or the next one against the Golden State Warriors. They announced Saturday they expected him to be out for at least seven to ten days. He probably won't rejoin the team until near the end of next weeks road trip....either for the Charlotte or New Jersey game.It's important that he not rush his return....once you tweak a hammy they can bother you for a long time if you don't give them the rest they require to heal properly. Projected starters Portland Trailblazers Steve Blake -PG Rudy Fernandez-SG Nic Batum-SF LaMarcus Aldridge-PF Greg Oden-Center Projected starters Detroit Pistons Allan Iverson-SG Rodney Stuckey-PG Tayhaun Prince-SF Rasheed Wallace-PF Kwame Brown-Center If you wish, you may CLICK HERE, for a chance to win a free Portland Trailblazer Jersey, otherwise just ignore.
