Monday’s Opener For The Philadelphia vs Portland
Monday, December 26, 2011
Frank Martin
Few teams in the NBA are going into the season with as many question marks as the Portland Trail Blazers. The first day of training camp was a huge blow to the team, when it learned that Brandon Roy would be forced to retire because of persistent knee problems and oft-injured center Greg Oden was going to be slow to return because of his own knee issues.
The Blazers got used to playing without Roy and Oden last season, when LaMarcus Aldridge emerged as a star in the frontcourt.
Aldridge underwent a heart procedure recently but played in the final preseason game and is expected to play when Portland opens its season by hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. The 76ers made a surprise run to the playoffs last season and return intact, though rumors persist that Andre Iguodala is on the trading block.
- Philadelphia 76ers @ Portland Trail Blazers
When: 10:00 PM ET, Monday, December 26, 2011
Where: Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon
TV: 10 p.m. ET, CS Philadelphia, KGW (Portland)
The Trail Blazers have opened as 4.5-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NBA Basketball Odds.
Philadelphia 76ers (0-0): Philadelphia is strong in the backcourt, where 21-year old point guard Jrue Holiday emerged last season, averaging 14.0 points and 6.5 assists while running coach Doug Collins’ offense. He teams with Lou Williams at the point while Iguodala, Jodie Meeks and second-year swingman Evan Turner take turns out on the wings. There is less depth in the frontcourt beyond Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. Center Spencer Hawes returns but is still looking for a breakout season in his fifth campaign. Philadelphia was 41-41 in 2010-11.
Portland Trail Blazers (0-0): The positive to Roy and Oden being off the floor is that Portland can now get out and run a bit more, especially with new point guard Raymond Felton comfortable pushing the pace. Gerald Wallace was the subject of trade rumors early in camp but is still around, giving the Blazers a second strong scorer in the frontcourt who is also capable of stepping out and shooting from long range. Veteran gunner Jamal Crawford was also brought in to provide instant bench scoring. Portland finished 48-34 last season.
1. The 76ers have won six of the last nine meetings, though the Blazers won at the Rose Garden 110-101 in March.
2. Portland center Marcus Camby had an MRI on his surgically repaired left knee come back clean and is expected to play Monday.
3. Iguodala is averaging 20.5 points in 13 career games against Portland.
NBA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Blazers 94, 76ers 86
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andre iguodala - brandon roy - doug collins - elton brand - evan turner - gerald wallace - greg oden - jamal crawford - jodie meeks - jrue holiday
