@ <font color="red">Blazers: 21-25 (Lost 1)</font> <font color="darkorange">Suns: 18-31 (Won 1)</font> <font color="red">By Trail_Blazer 76</font> When: Wednesday, February 4th Where: American West Arena Time: 6:00pm ET Probable Starters Damon Stoudamire/Leandro Barbosa Derek Anderson/Joe Johnson Darius Miles/Shawn Marion Zach Randolph/Amare Stoudemire Rasheed Wallace/Jake Voskuhl Key Matchup Zach Randolph vs Amare Stoudemire The same key matchup as the last time these two teams met, and for good reason. Last time these two battled it out and there was only a 1 point and 1 board difference in their stats. This will be Randolph's first game since finding out that he will not be an allstar. If he's anything like Kmart, he'll be trying to prove something to the coaches that snubbed him. Amare brings his game every night. He still isn't seen as much of a scoring force, but when he wants to, he can score in the paint at will. Especially considering that Z-bo doesn't care much to try and stop people. Amare will get his usually boards in addition to owning the paint offensively. X-factors Dale Davis & Leandro Barbosa Although he disagrees with it, Dale Davis is slowly accepting his role as a bench player. I have a feeling that tonight he may get more minutes than normal. Assuming that Sheed starts at center, and plays hard, Davis will come into the game playing against an already sub-par Jake Voskuhl. Like most teams the Suns lack a true center, and he'll be even worse after dealing with Sheed (assuming that Sheed plays the post). Worst case scenario he'll be put up against Jahidi White, who only plays 15mpg anyway. Leandro Barbosa is excellent from three, and with 5 inches on Mouse can easily shoot over him. The Blazers have superior rebounder, so he'd better made sure that his shot is falling. If he can pick up his offense game, the Suns could have another Marbury-Amare-Matrix trio, which would be deadly against most teams. <font color="red"> The Trail to Victory</font> They've won four of their last 5, all on the road. Nearing .500 and staying in playoff contention. Experimenting with their starting 5, and staying out of trouble. This game won't be a cake-walk, but won't be impossible to win either. Points in the paint in the only real way for the Suns to score. Preventing this, and fast break points should get the Blazers a win. <font color="darkorange">Outshine the Opposition</font> Offensively, the Blazers have been playing 4 on 5, because DA has been a non-factor. He can never be ignored, but his man can sag into the post and help guard Sheed and Randolph. In this game the Blazers have superior rebounders, so the Suns will need to limit their points in the paint. They'll also need someone other than Marion to carry some of the offensive load. <font color="red">***Trail_Blazer76's Prediction***</font> Confidence is key, and the Suns just don't have it. I don't think they'll remain at the bottom of the west, but they won't get a win tonight. Blazers by 9.
I say the Blazers will take this one away from the Sins. The Blazers will just come out with more since they are coming off that loss against the Nuggets. The Suns shouldn't take this one likely though. TrailBlazers by 7.
Look for Barbosa to exploite Stoudamire in this one... I think it will be close but the Blazers seem to be playing a little (not sayin much) better on the road. Blazers by 3.
hmm, I think that this one goes down to the wire w/ Zach Randolph taking it to Amare, Zach will have a big night, and the Blazers win by 4
I think the Blazers will win because of Rasheed laying down the hammer and Dairus energy in the start. Blazers by 7 or so hopefully as the old signs in Portland used to say "I believe". Good luck Blazers!
With the elevated play as of late from Miles and Wallace, along with the constant good play of Z-Bo I would like to think the Portland would win. Joe Johnson has become a real threat since Marbury was shipped to NY, someone needed to fill the scoring void, and JJ stepped up brilliantly. JJ might be a threat, but without Starbury, the Sun's really arent. Blazers are finally getting back in the winning groove and I don't think last night's 'Melo Show' will be enough to throw them out of whack again. Blazers have been playing close ball all season and I don't think this will be an exception. My prediction is Portland by 3.
Blazers by 8. Great match up b/n Zach and Amare. Look for Zach to prove that he should be on the all star team.
Great preview as always Cube! Great analysis, you're one of my favorite previewers. I want the Blazers to win, and think they can win this. Not with ease though. Both sides seem have enough rebounding ability, size and girth on their side. As far as strength and effort goes, I think the Blazers have much more of it. I expect Randolph to have a hard time but still contain Stoudemire. As for Wallace's job, thanks to Cube for helping me out here, will have no trouble guarding ol' Voshkul here. Darius will have a great chance to prove himself. Facing such a strong offensive player, glad to see this matchup, he'll have to work hard if they're to win. Zach will probably provide the majority of the offense with Wallace for the Blazers. I do miss Davis though, I'm glad he's taking to this very well. Blazers by 9.
Suns arent playing nice basketball lately, very little confidence. I say that the Blazers will keep the crowd quiet and win by 7.
I think the blazers have too much size for Pheonix and will jump out to a big lead early. The Suns make a few runs but Portalnd prevails by 8...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting jump:</div><div class="quote_post">Suns arent playing nice basketball lately, very little confidence. I say that the Blazers will keep the crowd quiet and win by 7.</div> Suns are playing very good ball lately they destroyed the rockets i belive in there last game by 20 pts. Blazers will still take this one tho.
This will be a nice one to watch with two high-flying teams. It'll be exciting to see Darius and Shawn Marion go at each other. I say Blazers by 5.
Blazers already up big at the end of the first quarter, leading 31-17. DA and Sheed both have 8, and Mouse has 7. We're outshooting them.
Game Finals: Blazers: 101 Suns: 97 Won by: 4 box score: http://www.nba.com/games/20040204/PORPHO/boxscore.html w00t beat Trail_Blazer76
