Game Thread 2023-24 Game #25 - BLAZERS VS WARRIORS - DECEMBER 17, 2023 - SUNDAY - 6:00 PM PST - ROOT

Gary Payton out? Hmmm wonder how that could happen?
The Warriors might start playing better with Kuminga if given enough time to gel.
Saric seems to be another that feasts on teams like the Blazers.

 

The line is Warriors favored by 5.5 points and they're a 2 to 1 favorite to win the game. I think we'll lose this and then again against Phoenix. I think we could be favored for the second time this season when we go against the Wizards on Thursday but we lost the only other game we were favored in this season.

I do think that if we lose against the Warriors tonight, the Suns on Tuesday and the Wizards on Thursday that we will pick up at least one win in the two games versus the Spurs if not both. I also think that if we stay healthy and the roster isn't dismantled too quickly that between now and the trade deadline we could see some wins that we wouldn't think of as likely right now. The roster hasn't had a chance to show their best because of injuries. Now that we're healthy I do think we're capable of playing at a higher level... I think that level is under .500 basketball but well over .250 that we've played at to this point. I'm not even saying that we'll ever approach the .500 mark because if we start winning 2 out of every 5 games right now we'd still only be 16-32 at the deadline... I do think if we start winning at that clip that Joe will trade off players contributing to the wins that aren't in his long term plans.

It will be interesting to see if the team is given the time necessary to gel or if Malcolm is moved soon and if Jerami is moved closer to Jan. 15th than Feb. 8th.

 

If we win no other games this year, this is the one I want to win

 

I could understand that from an emotional point of view if that's where it's coming from but just being analytical I think our losses are worth more than a loss we hand to the Warriors and the win we would get as a result, in terms of what I imagine the overall goals our front office has set for this season look like. The Warriors are probably going to win another 20 games this season and end up with that pick in the late lotto, we will be close to the third worst record in the league and that would mean an equal chance with the worst and second worst records for the first pick.

I won't be pissed if we win today because wins are fun but no losses sting this season because they theoretically get us closer to a better player in the draft or at least more options.

 

Most important game of the season?

 

There are going to be no games more important than others this season, except maybe games we absolutely have to lose when jockeying for lotto position down the stretch. All of the games are pretty equal in terms of learning opportunities for guys who could be part of our core group in the future when wins become important again.

 

I think Sarr will/would and I guarantee you that some of the guys I'm luke warm on and/or some of the guys that aren't really on my radar, will be important to playoff wins in this league.

 

There will always be good players, it’s about scouting. Best player in the league was drafted 15th in a weak draft.

 

Yes, this and the other home game against the Warriors in April.

 

Blazers are only 3.5M below the tax

 

Warriors might be smaller than the Blazers this game. Rare occurrence.

TAKE ADVANTAGE!

 

If the Blazers win they help their draft pick. If they lose they help their draft pick.
Go for the win!

 

That costs money. Vulacans want all the money they can get.

 

When Paul Allen died Vulcan should have done the most honest thing possible and changed their name to Vulture.

 

that game will be near the end of the season. The difference between pick #3-4 or pick #5-6 is riding on that very important LOSS.

 

I cannot say I would not like to see the team sold. I just don’t have faith this group truly wants to do what it takes to become a champion.