A lot of those road games are against so-so teams, and while the team hasn't been dominant, like I said, they're 3 wins off of last years pace so far through 57 games. As for your mental freshness argument, they'll be getting a lot of rest next month with 3 and 4 day stretches between games. That usually helps. Overall the healthier the team gets they better they will be. If Roy gets it going again then it is definitely possible, because there just aren't a lot of tough stretches left in the schedule. Even the upcoming road trip are against decent at best teams. The next month the Blazers have a chance to gain ground with the schedule the way it is. It all will depend on how much Roy can get back to normal.
ive said it before.... if teh blazers beat the bad teams we will be ok. we arent gonna win 50 games.... BUT... 48 is about the best we can do and should be enough for playoffs. beat the following... (must wins imo) utah (tonight) @minny @nets Pacers Knicks Wiz Kings X 3 (2 in Sac) @clips okc(at home) raptors (at home) @hornets wout paul hopefully steal a game vs raptors or bulls on road gets us 14 wins + a few unexpected wins and of course a few unexpected losses should get us 16-17 give or take. At the very least we need 15 more wins (least) the good news is hornets have 3 fewer wins even if we lose tonight and hosuton has 4 fewer wins after losing to the pacers which was a terrible loss for them
With Roy as is, or posssibly without him, we are a .500 team the rest of the way unless somebody steps up. A flat out crapshoot to win every night.
WTF? Even for someone like me who does not believe in Ronald McDillon as the "One", injuries have destroyed the team this season.
Actually, I think RagingBull hit the nail on the head for me. There has been a bit of a chemistry challenge assimilating Rudy and/or Batum back into the lineup. I'm still hopeful, though, that things will get worked out and the Blazers will be hitting on 7 cylinders come playoff time.
Our team was playing above its head. It couldn't keep it up all season. The short bench began to take a toll. Also, getting people back messes with the chemistry. It's tough to work people back in, and we've struggled with roles and minutes. It's a lost season. Making the playoffs would be great, but we're not likely to make noise even if we make the post season. I'm enjoying watching basketball, hoping for growth from individual players and casting my eyes to 2010-11.