Game Thread 2022-23 Game #14 BLAZERS VS SPURS - NOVEMBER 15, 2022 - TUESDAY - 7:00 PM (PDT) ROOT

The trail Blazers are only three and two at home so we need to start discussing this game. To secure a win.

 

It’s there just still locked?
Maybe a mod? Any Mod? Can unlock it?

 

Okay so here are a couple tidbits.
First off this is the first game back after a road trip. Typically a tough game because it’s essentially another road game. Good news is they get a couple days off before playing and they should be rested.
Next the Spurs will be on the 2nd of a B2B after playing GS the night before.
I’m assuming the nagging injuries or load maintenance will not apply and we should see a full roster?
Is Nurk out much longer? Is he actually done for the season again? Would not surprise me at all to hear he is out once again.

 

What are keys to the Blazers victory over San Antonio?
I think one is to keep Jacob Poeltl off the offensive glass. He can be with a beast under the basket giving them extra possessions.

Although Jeremy SoChan is not shooting the ball well you always have to watch him running the court because he gets to the hoop very quickly and his teammates are always looking for him running out.

 

It’s good enough for now. A bunch of injury changes can happen between now and Tuesday.

 

A full roster would help.

 

Feel good about this one being a blazer thumping of the Spurs.

Idk what the odds will have us at, but I’m thinking Blazers -8.5 in this one.

 

Yes I think the psychology of the game favors the Blazers in this one. They are unhappy after a loss in Dallas and hopefully will get some of the players back that missed the game there.

 

Finally. I absolutely hate it when the league makes them fly back after a long trip and play with only one day off. They already have it tougher than most due to our location. Having the one extra day off is huge. Like you say they normally struggle that first game back for various reasons. I remember one year they had a long east coast road trip, flew home for 1 game, and then had to fly back out for 1 road game, and then fly back home. That was ridiculous.

 

It feels like this is chapter 2 for the Trail Blazers season.
Will they show Home Court dominance in the next 3 games,
and continue winning on the road similar to the rate they have so far?

 

Also going into the next phase of the season unfortunately it looks like constant injuries are something that the Blazers will be dealing with. Maybe for the rest of the season.

 

They just need to go 3-2 every 5 games and they will win 50. So yeah they need these next 3.

 

Rule of thumb I use is 75% home court wins and if they can get 50% on the road they are doing well.
Breaks down to 50+ wins.
I certainly did not expect to talk about 50 wins and this team this season.

 

When rotation players are constantly out, it has 2 negative impacts. First, it increases fatigue for those still standing. Second, it disrupts continuity on the court.

How long can the Blazers struggle through this before all the good Billups has accomplished starts to erode?