Portland Trail Blazers: 10 Pivotal Games on the Schedule for 2011-12 Season

I know what you may be thinking. "Why write an article about an NBA schedule that has a very good chance of never being played due to the potentially long, boring months ahead because of the NBA being in a lockout?" Am I right?

Well, sure, we can all be pessimists and assume the worst, but why not pretend for a moment that we live in a perfect world where players don't demand larger salaries, and the NBA doesn't have a shortage of allocated funds.

Instead, allow your mind to wander and our imaginations to explore what could be a full season.

Besides, the NFL just concluded their lockout, which helps NBA fans realize that a deal can be struck and a truce can be made. So with that said, let's look through rose-colored glasses together, as I have noted the top 10 most pivotal games on the Portland Trail Blazers 2011-12 schedule.

Nov. 3 vs. Denver

The Trail Blazers host the Denver Nuggets in their first game of an grueling 82-game schedule. Not only do the Blazers want to begin the season on the proper foot and get earn a W right off the bat, but they also don't want the Nuggets to prove that they got the better end of the trade that sent Andre Miller to Denver in exchange for Raymond Felton.

The season opener either gets fans hyped up and excited to watch the remaining 81 games or puts injects them with a serious sense of dread as they contemplate mucking through yet another mediocre year with no hope of getting over the hump.

Nov. 4 @ LA Clippers

Some may wonder why a game against the likes of the LA Clippers may make my top 10 list for most pivotal games of the Trail Blazers' season.

The Clips are here because it is the first road game of the season for Portland. If the Blazers are going to make an impression in the league, they might as well start strong from the beginning and give themselves a confidence booster.

Once they get through the first home game, they must focus on starting strong on the road as well. Besides, an NBA team can win every home game, but unless they can win on the road too, they will fail to make any sort of run toward the playoffs.

Nov. 28 @ Dallas

Big game for Portland, as everyone will be watching and wondering if the Blazers will avenge themselves from a 4-2 ousting in last year's first round by the champion Mavericks.

Dallas will be on a mission to prove that their title isn't a fluke, and Portland must be on a mission to prove that they can ax the best in the league.

Dec. 4 @ LA Lakers

It's always exciting to watch Portland square off against the LA Lakers. The first of three meetings between these two teams will be no different.

Of the three meetings, the Blazers will play in LA twice, so it is imperative that they assert themselves early and prove that they can win in Los Angeles.

Even though the Mavs are the champs, we still all know that any team seeking a championship ring in 2012 must go through the Lakers to do it.

Dec. 29 vs. New York

The Knicks are quickly becoming one of the most exciting and hopeful up-and-coming teams in the league.

Not since the 90's has New York put themselves in a position to contend in the playoffs. But this year may be different.

Portland must remember just who they are playing against and not take the Knicks lightly.

Jan. 3 @ Oklahoma City

Right up their with the Portland/LA rivalry is the rivalry against the former Sonics, now the Oklahoma City Thunder.

OKC is one of the top competitors for the Blazers in the west, so Portland must get the better of them this season if they want to secure a descent playoff position.

A side story of these games will be watching the Oden vs. Durant saga continue (assuming Oden remains in Portland).

Jan. 18 @ New Jersey

Perhaps another head scratcher as to how the New Jersey Nets made this list for the 10 most pivotal games on Portland's schedule for 2011-12.

They did because they are a central game in the midst of the second longest road swing in the Blazers' long season.

One thing is for sure, if you want to compete with the best, you've got to beat the worst.

Not to knock the Nets, but the Blazers must win against teams with a worse record than what they have—and in the middle of a long road swing when times are tough, the value of that win is even greater.

March 1 vs. Miami

The Blazers host the star-studded Miami Heat only one time this year, and they need to make every moment of this 48-minute game count.

The entire league will be watching to see if Portland has what it takes to overcome potentially the most talented team in the league.

March 13 @ Cleveland

The lowly Cavs host the Blazers during a time in the NBA season when the playoffs begin to peak over the horizon and come into view.

At this time, Portland will face a grueling seven-game road trip. Just like I have said before, they MUST win the games they are supposed to win.

The game against the Cavs, just when the Blazers' energy will begin to wane is a victory they will have to pull out.

Lose here and confidence sags.

April 6 @ Oklahoma City

The end is in sight, and Portland is on the downhill stretch.

Another game against Kevin Durant and the Thunder could be a go-ahead victory helping the Blazers secure a better playoff spot against Oklahoma City—a team expected to push Portland for playoff supremacy.