Portland in the Playoffs: Feast or Famine?

The Portland Trailblazers are experiencing the most success they have had since Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace were leading the Blazers in 2001.  Now, the much-despised “Jail-Blazers” are just a distant memory.

The Blazers are currently sitting at 40-23 in the Western conference.  They are tied for first in the Northwest Division with Utah, and are currently tied with the Jazz for fourth in the Western Conference. 

With Phoenix fading out of the playoff picture and the Blazers a year older following their second-half collapse of last year, it is time to start wondering what the Blazers will do in their first playoff experience since 2001.

After having seen the Blazers defeat Boston, Los Angeles, and San Antonio (the latter two handily) at the Rose Garden, it’s safe to assume that if the Blazers host a first round playoff series, they have a great chance at advancing no matter who they play.

The Blazers would like to avoid Los Angeles and San Antonio in the first round at all costs.  Los Angeles is easily the most talented and deep team in the West while San Antonio will be sure to turn it on once the playoffs come around. 

If the Blazers do play either of these teams, I see a five- or six-game series with the Blazers putting up a fight at the Rose Garden but struggling away from home.

The Blazers should have a decent shot if they face anyone else in the West.  Ideally, the Blazers would like to see themselves win the Northwest Division to take the number three seed in the Western Conference. 

At the very least they would like the six seed to avoid the Lakers and Spurs.  Lets take a look at my three most likely first-round matchups:

If Portland was to play Houston in the first round, here are some things to watch.  How will the Blazers defend Ron Artest?  He is one of the better players in the league but if the Blazers can get in his head, they could turn him into one of the most inconsistent in the league. 

Houston’s size could pose a problem, especially if Greg Oden isn’t healthy by playoff time, but Joel Pryzbilla has held his own inside this year. 

With two of the better defenders in the league in Artest and Shane Battier all over Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge is key to the Blazers hopes in this series.  Consistency out of him would be a must for the Blazers to take the series.

Portland and Denver brings forth some interesting story-lines.  Blazer fans believe that they need a veteran point guard to run the offense and set people up better.

Denver acquired Chauncey Billups mid-season and have been on a torrid pace ever since.  This will be a good judge of how Steve Blake will lead the Blazers and how he plays compared to Billups. 

Like Portland, Denver is a team that struggles on the road.  They will likely finish around .500 on the road so road wins in this series could be important in who wins. 

Finally, Carmelo Anthony has always played well against the Blazers.  He averages 26 points and six rebounds a game in his career vs. the Blazers.

Chris Paul’s New Orleans Hornets are very hit and miss when it comes to solid basketball, but when they are on they become a high-octane unit in the West.

The Blazers have had trouble in New Orleans but won there earlier this year after Chris Paul left the game with an injury.  This could have been an important mental hurdle heading into the playoffs.

Blazer fans should hope to see a matchup against either the Denver Nuggets or Houston Rockets.  Fans still must remember that this is still a young team with lots of growing to do.  They have shown flashes of brilliance and should gain valuable experience in the post-season this year. 

Keep in mind how good this team is and recognize that most believe their championship window has not even opened yet.