Portland at LA Lakers

[A.Mopp]

at

Damian Lillard vs Steve Nash

[A.Mopp]

big game for both teams

[RC27]

I might be far from accurate when saying this, but it seems like hickson always goes big for laker games, laker killer.

[Kao Sorn]

I think many players are going to get geared up for this matchup on the Blazers team...sorry that Wes is playing...he is always ready to play against Kobe.

Batum/Sasha are going to have to step up big and contain Kobe...Lillard is going to have to make Nash look 39 and our bigs have to battle against the bigs for rebound control. These are all keys to a victory!

[Kao Sorn]

Another key will be the bench...both benches suck and whoever does the best in bench scoring might just win.

[RC27]

im worried about dwight. even in a down year, we cannot match up with him.

[RC27]

both teams have their big 4 playing tonight. with crappy benches. edge goes to us in permitter play while they have the edge in paint... itll be interesting to watch.

[BradyIsTheMan12]

im worried about dwight. even in a down year, we cannot match up with him.

Agreed. Portland has given up a lot of points in the paint, and Dwight is a terrible match-up considering our current personnel. Hickson is too short to do a lot and will probably get in foul trouble, and Leonard is still figuring out how to play defense in the NBA. If Howard is making a good amount of his free throws, then it could be a huge problem.

On the plus side, Lillard could have a huge game. Kobe may be guarding him which would change my outlook somewhat, but he also isn't quite as good of a defender as he used to be (still very good). If Nash is forced to guard Lillard, then he could have a huge game though.

[Red Hot Rolllin]

I agree on Dwight... if he shoots free throws like he did against us opening night he will be tough... Using all fouls tonight unless he proves otherwise... he should take some lessons from Meyers on how to shoot from the line haha

Lakers in the Forum err Staples whats not to love.... This would be such a big win for our young squad... Hickson is a dif player now too.

I hope Lillard doesn't wait too long to be aggressive, he is doing a great job on getting everyone touches but in these big games he might have to produce points early.

BEAT LA

[Red Hot Rolllin]

Defend the rim to win... we gotta dig deep... tip off time

Niiice

[A.Mopp]

no good tonight

[Kao Sorn]

Ah well...The Lakers are starting to play like they were predicted in the beginning of the year...we would have to be on our best game to beat them in the Staples Center.

Alas...

[Hellcrooner]

freeland looked good tonight.
He needs more minutes.

Claver............pffffff

[A.Mopp]

love me some barton!

[Kao Sorn]

Agree about Freeland---I almost wouldn't mind Hickson going out again so they are forced to play him more.