They may be equally important on paper - in the standings - but, I would venture to say that some are not equally important in the players' and/or fans' minds. There definitely are watershed games. Plus, ANY win over the L*kers has greater significance than any other win. You know, as Bruce Hornsby once sang, it's just the way it is. In any given season, players can always look back and reflect on certain games (or series of games) that had an impact on the season at large.
That's not entirely true. Losing to the Jazz gives the Jazz a win and the Blazers a loss. Losing to the Pistons only gives the Blazers a loss. So a loss to a conference rival DOES hurt more in the standings.
Well yeah; but lets say at the end of the season the Blazers were tied with 3 other teams. If we hold the tie breakers; or have a better division; or a better conference record; we win the tie breaker.
I think pretty much everyone expects a Jazz win, if somehow the Blazers can get out of their road game rut and steal a win, it will be a much bigger for them than a win for the Jazz will be. I plan on enjoying several pints watching this one!
