Clippers vs. Portland - Game Preview and Open Thread
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 5:00 AM PST
in Game Previews
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PrintPortland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers, Jan 26, 2009 7:30 PM PST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs |  |
| 10-33 | 26-17 |
|
| Staples Center |
||
| January 26th, 2009, 7:30 PM | ||
| FSN Prime Ticket, 710 AM |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Fred Jones |
PG | Sergio Rodriquez |
| Eric Gordon |
SG | Brandon Roy |
| Ricky Davis |
SF | Nicholas Batum |
| Al Thornton |
PF | LaMarcus Aldridge |
| DeAndre Jordan |
C | Greg Oden |
The Back Story:
The Big Picture:
The Clippers had 8 healthy bodies in Golden State last night, and may be in the same position against the Blazers in LA tonight. And Portland is a very good team. Of course, the Clippers did beat the Blazers back in December, in LA's best win of the season. Taking a quick look at that box score, Zach Randolph scored 38 against his former team, but of course he won't be playing. Baron Davis scored 27 and hit the game-tying three to send the game into overtime, but he won't be out there either. Marcus Camby scored 12, and led the team in rebounding with 13. He probably won't be playing either. That's 77 points from the first meeting not available for this one. I'm not sure, but I think maybe that could change the complexion of the game. Eric Gordon and Al Thornton will have to carry the scoring load again of course. So far the trend has been, if they combine for 75 points, the Clippers win. If not, they lose. Turns out, that's a lot of points for two guys to score, and it doesn't happen very often.
The Antagonist:
It's funny - I have spent a lot of time thinking about the Blazers this month, and almost none of it focused on how the team is playing. The Darius Miles situation, complete with Portland trying to claim him off waivers and stash him on the inactive list, and then sending a memo to all the other teams threatening a law suit, and everything else that went on, was just fascinating. Now that Miles has played in 10 games and his contract is back on Portland's books, we should probably point out something: the Blazers are still really, really good, with a really, really bright future. Would the future have been a little brighter with that extra cap space? Sure. But the roster is already loaded, and the team still has some cap space to use this summer. In a weird way, having Miles back on the books may end up benefiting the team. With a max salary type slot to use this summer, they might have felt compelled to swing for the fences on an acquisition. But how would a $15M player feel coming onto a team that so clearly belongs to Brandon Roy? With less space to play with, they'll only be able to look for a role player - which may be the better way to go at the end of the day. They still have Raef Lafrentz' expiring contract as a trade chip right now, so they will probably make a big move before the trade deadline. The one thing they really need is a top flight piont guard. They have a few decent ones - but they could use an upgrade. As it happens, Steve Blake is currently hurt, meaning that Nate McMillan is getting to take a look at Sergio Rodriquez and Jerryd Bayless. And of course Roy ends up sliding over and running the point during crunch time no matter who is on the floor.
The Subplots
- Defending LaMarcus Aldridge. Even if Camby is able to play, LaMarcus Aldridge is going to be a tough assignment for someone. It's hard to play Camby and DeAndre Jordan together, since neither of them is much of a threat to score. That leaves Al Thornton to play the power forward given the fact that EVERYONE ELSE is hurt. But Aldridge is just too long and strong for Al, I fear. If Camby is still hurt and Skinner is still sick, they have no choice but to play Al at the four; there's just no way that Jordan and Samb are playing together before garbage time (which could start early tonight).
- Gordon vesus Roy. I have a feeling that the game is going to get out of hand pretty quickly, but the one reason to keep watching may be the matchup between Eric Gordon and Brandon Roy. Roy will be a very tough cover for EJ, but Gordon has proven himself to be a very capable defender, even against bigger guards. Meanwhile, Gordon was the Clippers fourth option the last time these teams met and he took only 9 shots. He'll take a few more than that tonight.
- Jordan versus Oden. This matchup of rookie centers could be very interesting. Oden is 21, and look and acts like he's 40. Jordan is 20, and looks and acts like he's 16. Oden was the first overall pick in 2007, and Jordan was chosen 35th in 2008. But the thing I love about Jordan is the thing that really seems to be lacking in Oden the couple of times of watched him - Oden is just not very active. Jordan is giving away a LOT of bulk - about 35 pounds. So Oden will probably push the kid around a lot. But it will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge. At any rate, let's hope that Oden doesn't score 42 against DJ like Andrew Bynum did.
- The Clipper bench. I don't really have anything to say here. I just thought it was funny when they showed Cheik Samb, Jason Hart and Steve Novak sitting over there during the game last night. Three guys, who are one dimensional players at best (I'm not convinced Hart even has one dimension to his game).
- How much longer? I don't really know when the Clippers start getting some bodies back. I'm hoping we'll get some updates tomorrow. Baron Davis is apparently targeting the Chicago game on Wednesday. Zach can't be too far from returning at this point.
- Superstar for one game. Let's go with Sergio Rodriquez. He's a foreign point guard - he can pull a 'Beno' on us
- Get the Blazers perspective at Blazers Edge.
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Blake is out...
Expected to miss at least one more game.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
upgraded to questionable
I don’t know why the Blazers would push him back into action against an opponent that is far more injury depleted than Portland, but maybe they want him to get his game legs back under him so he’s ready to go against Charlotte and Utah on Saturday (big game).
Thanks for the update...
Last I saw, it seemed like Nate wanted to hold him out of this game. I agree with you… why make him suit up for the Clipper JVs? Give him a couple more days off.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 5:09 PM PST up reply actions
No mention of the Gordon/Oden connection?
Both Eric Gordon and Greg Oden are from Indianapolis and played at tradional rivals North Central and Lawrence North respectively.
Heck, Gordon was the only sophomore that played for the Indy Heat team that started Greg Oden, Josh McRoberts, Mike Conley, Daequan Cook, and EJ.
Those two have played together for years. It will be fun to see them on the court as adversaries again.
Good point...
1) I had actually forgotten the Indianapolis connection.
2) You know a LOT more about Indiana HS basketball than me, it would seem.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
You would be disgusted by Hoosiers and their wealth of hoops knowledge
As somebody that has seen Gordon play once or twice a year since he was a freshman in high school (and every televised game at IU), it is amazing to see his confidence grow with each game. He has played with more confidence in the last two games than he has since before he broke his left wrist last season.
For a little anecdote about Gordon, I went back to visit my family in Indianapolis for Christmas and attended the annual basketball showcase at Butler University. The event featured the best high schools in the Midwest and had a roster of the following: Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Courtney Lee, Robert Vaden, AJ Ratliff, Eric Gordon, Shaun Livingston, Malik Hairston, and Joe Crawford (I can’t remember if George Hill played in the event as well). I went with the sole intention of watching Oden, but it was clear to everybody in attendance that a little-known freshman on North Central, Eric Gordon, was the star of the event, even against those older, bigger names in the tourney.
I was at the game against OKC and look forward to being at tonight’s as well.
Oden
In reference to your comment about Oden, I think he is starting to become more active and aggressive, particularly in situations where he isn’t so worried about fouls, which given the state of your frontcourt is probably not going to be an issue tonight. Don’t get me wrong he has a long way to go, and I don’t think he is definitely going to tear it up tonight, but every facet of his game is improving.
As for the rest of the game, as a Blazer fan I wouldn’t give up hope for you guys. The Blazers let an awful wizards team hang around at home. As talented as our team is they can still fall asleep, and Gordon and Thornton can still hurt us. Sorry about the injury woes, and best of luck for the rest of the season (though hopefully not tonight, sorry).
Thanks
A study in contrasts…. Warriors fans talking trash on the recap from last night’s game (way to go, you beat a team with 8 guys missing their four best players! Whoo hoo!)… and classy Blazers fans on this thread.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 5:08 PM PST up reply actions
Superstar
I am going with Joel Pryzabilla……….. a white stiff, no game, no purpose….he will kill us!
Przybilla has serious game
great defensive big man, shoots over 60% from the floor usually, and is in the top five of rebounding percentage.
he may not be an offensive 'threat'
But his purpose is his game, rebounding, easy buckets, setting good picks. Rudy has actually started a trend of actually giving Joel the ball under the hoop to… …get this, score! The best back up center in the league for what it’s worth.
Be careful, his grandma will find you.
- Rookie fe[a]st 2009 -
Przybilla is tough
He went for 14 points and 26 boards or something like that in a game against us last season. It could happen. He’s not Jake Voskuhl.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 5:06 PM PST up reply actions
Nice stuff as usual
I agree with your assessment that Oden hasn’t been active, but he’s had some games recently where he has kicked it up a notch. He had seven offensive rebounds in the first half in the last game they played… early in the season, he was panting at every dead ball. Since then, his conditioning has improved and that has affected his effort level.
I can’t really see a Clipper win tonight. Gordon is a good defender for a rookie, but only one guy in the league gives Roy fits (Raja Bell, for those who are wondering). Oden has been on fire recently, and Jordan is quite foul prone. Not to mention Aldridge, who can shoot right over the top of Thornton, as you noted.
Oden hasn’t had four good games in a row all season, and the Blazers have a chance to go 10 games over .500 for the first time since April 2003.
you know...
that may be the most positive stat for the Clips right now. Portland’s something like 0-9 in its latest attempts to go 10 games over .500.
by LicketyBrindle on Jan 26, 2009 4:41 PM PST up reply actions
Don't get to watch Oden much...
But the few times I have, I just haven’t liked his activity, or lack thereof. I’ve seen the recent box scores, so it does seem like something is starting to click. Maybe it’s the conditioning. It will be interesting to see where he’s at versus December.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 4:58 PM PST up reply actions
he couldn't run up the court without panting earlier in the year...
really, really bad conditioning coming off microfracture. He’s lost a lot of weight and is much quicker now… He’s currently killing on the offensive boards.
Hats off for your win at the Rose Garden earlier this season
Hope your starters get well soon.
- Rookie fe[a]st 2009 -
The Portland Perspective...
b/c you’re not going to get much of it from BlazersEdge, tonight….
—The conventional wisdom around BEdge these days is that there won’t be a big trade before the deadline. Our guys are just learning to play together, and the possibilities look promising.
—Brandon Roy has been in a shooting slump lately, and we’re all waiting for him to break out of it. It’ll be interesting to see if tonight’s the night, but if Gordon can make it hard for him, I’d guess not. He tends to still get his 18-22 points, but takes more shots doing it. Unfortunately (for Clippers fans, anyway,) when Brandon’s not hitting his shot, he puts a lot of energy into doing other things to help the team win. Against the Wizards on Saturday, he tied a team record with 10 steals. So there’s that.
—Oden’s conditioning these days is much better, so activity isn’t his problem, per se – it’s foul trouble. The two are related for sure. If he gets in foul trouble early, he gets timid, which tends to lead to more foul trouble. But if he can play without fouls, he gets in a groove and is scary. He had great games against New Jersey and Washington, with a bad game (due to foul trouble) in between against Cleveland. Coach Nate has been talking to him a lot about carry over – taking the momentum from one good game into the next – so it will be interesting to see how he comes into tonight’s game. He really kept us alive against Washington on Saturday – the team was shooting something like 20% in the first half and he collected 9 offensive boards. In the first half.
—Don’t worry too much about LaMarcus. This is the kind of game he tends to sleep through, settling for 18 foot fadeway jump shots instead of taking the ball to the hoop. He plays better against (no offense) better quality opponents. He can still get 15-20 that way, but he probably won’t be a major factor tonight.
btw...
if there’s a lot of garbage time, watch out out for Jerryd Bayless. This kid is so fun to watch. He barely has a shot, but he’s strong and quick and loves to dunk in your face. Cameras will be at the ready.
by LicketyBrindle on Jan 26, 2009 4:22 PM PST up reply actions
No offense taken
We are far from a quality opponent right now. It’s quite sad. I’m going to the game tonight, and I’m asking myself why. It could be ugly.
Funny thing is, I went to the game last year when stars on both teams were hurt… no Roy, no Brand, no Kaman. This year it’s a little more lopsided on the injuries. But at least I get to see Roy live for the first time.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 5:04 PM PST up reply actions
That game last year was brutal
Horrid to watch.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:15 PM PST up reply actions
so how'd I do?
—BRoy is officially out of his slump. 11/15 FG, 2/2 3 Pt, and that monster jam that changed the game. If this had stayed close, they would’ve given him the ball every time down the floor and he’d have had 40, easy.
—Oden: 7/7 FG, but only one block and six rebounds. A decent, but not great, game. And Jordan made him look bad a few times (and vice versa.)
—LMA – can you say no show? 10 points, 3 rebounds.
by LicketyBrindle on Jan 26, 2009 10:10 PM PST up reply actions
You got referenced in my recap...
It would have been nice if the slump had gone on another day or so. Clippers would have left by a dozen at least at halftime.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 27, 2009 1:05 AM PST up reply actions
good stuff from the Blazer fans...
CS make sure you get plenty of pictures of the, ahem, “view” from section 100!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
rabid blazer fan but...
i like ya post. (:
by ireallylikejerrydbayless on Jan 26, 2009 5:38 PM PST reply actions
You can be both...
You can like the Blazers, and like my post… Lots of people do it!
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 26, 2009 6:11 PM PST up reply actions
lets go clips!
listening on the radio this time! woot!
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 7:38 PM PST reply actions
wow
cue the spooky music
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 27, 2009 1:06 AM PST up reply actions
and Dj has at least 2 highlight dunks
eric gordon goes for 30
navak hits at least 4 threes
Dj grabs 15+ boards
EG gets 1 block and 2 steals
hart plays less than 20 min and has 2 TO’s
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions
blake is playing!
now it’s gonna be 17pts for him tonight
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 7:46 PM PST reply actions
Blazer fan here...
No it is not.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:00 PM PST up reply actions
tied with a bit under 3 minutes to go
17 all
fred jones is playing well
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 7:59 PM PST reply actions
Fred Jones
Could not shoot that well as a Blazer. Must be something in the water down there.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
fred jones another 3! I didn't know he could shoot like this
and he drew the offensive foul!
im impressed.
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:02 PM PST reply actions
Oden
In a heartbeat.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:07 PM PST up reply actions
up 1 after 1!
I’m shocked at this point. But have a feeling Portland will go on a big run here soon…
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:06 PM PST reply actions
I'm so glad we have steve!
he’s such a good shooter!
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:10 PM PST reply actions
Blazer fans say the same thing.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:11 PM PST up reply actions
novak was a great find considering
that all we had to give Houston was the option to exchange second round picks with the Clippers in 2011
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:20 PM PST reply actions
Outlaw leaves a shooter wide open at least twice a game
Clipppers out hustling Portland today on the glass.
Boomshakalaka
Wad up Jk
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:25 PM PST up reply actions
8 to's by the clips
the difference from last game is that they’re mostly shot clock violations so Portland cant get out on the break.
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:23 PM PST reply actions
Blake is done for the game
Bayless vs Gordon should be fun.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
He hurt his already injured shoulder on a Skinner pick.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:26 PM PST up reply actions
why would he even be playing hurt considering you're playing the clippers?
that might set him back even more, right?
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions
He is a tough dude.
Nobody knew he was gonna start. It was a surprise. Looks like a bad idea now.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions
He has been in a mini slump lately
Guess he decided he was gonna knock that off. Unfortunate for Clippers fans.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:33 PM PST up reply actions
Great penetrate and pass
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:36 PM PST up reply actions
wait, that doesn;t make sense. lol
49-48 right?
by cantthinkofagoodname on Jan 26, 2009 8:38 PM PST up reply actions
49-48
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:39 PM PST up reply actions
Pryzabilla
My game hero selection Joel Pryzabila is +8 at the half.
Looks like he is the factor at the moment !
Still think he is a stiff……..bring back Jon Koncak !
Serious?
Not Brandon Roy?
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 8:41 PM PST up reply actions
Portland defense is giving Gordon trouble!
Not good…EJ is on my fantasy team! I mean…we need him for the Clips to win!
Samb Cheikhs in
See what I did there?
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 9:04 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Blazers not taking advantage of the Clips being short handed and on a back-2-back
this game has been played at a VERY slow pace.
Boomshakalaka
8-0 Blazers in the fourth quarter
I think the Clips are tired.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
Fernandez's shot was the biggest of the game so far
As a Blazer fan, I’m impressed with Thornton, Gordon and Jordan. Novak and Jones not so much (because Portland has been leaving Novak wide open and we are very familiar with Jones and know he’s not really this good a shooter).
Boomshakalaka
Yep...Clips are tired
All their shots are getting short.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
Then Novak hits a tough 3
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 9:32 PM PST up reply actions
guess who failed to get out on him?
LMA missing box outs and Outlaw leaving shooters. Like clockwork.
Boomshakalaka
Trout hit that tough jumper and looked at Nate for praise
And got yelled at for leaving Novak open.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions
I will give Outlaw credit for taking smart shots tonight and knocking them down
no shots with a toe on the 3 pt line.
Boomshakalaka
And a drive and pass
Not often do we see that.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 9:41 PM PST up reply actions
Jason Hart is horrible
Good kid…but just not a good basketball player.
Brian Skinner annoys the crud out of me every single game.
that's our Blazers and our first rate perimeter D
Novak is a heck of a shooter though. Respect.
Boomshakalaka
Fatigue
Our guys are tired. We can’t do anything about it until we get more bodies out on the court.
how about the dunk by EJ just before this one! Monster too!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
That was a nice dunk
I wouldn’t be surprised if Brandon knew that the Gordon dunk got the crowd and Clips back into the game and needed to send a message himself.
"Only dunk and go to the defense." Rudy Fernandez
by Sabonis4Ever on Jan 26, 2009 10:06 PM PST up reply actions
You know he did...
He’s got that kind of sense for the game.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Jan 27, 2009 1:12 AM PST up reply actions
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