The Portland Trail Blazers Face Critical Issues as the Playoffs Inch Closer

With less than a month remaining in the 2008-2009 NBA season, the Western Conference playoff picture once again is shaping up to come down to the final day of the regular season. 

The Los Angeles Lakers appear ready to grab the West's top seed, seven other teams will be jockeying for the remaining playoff spots. 

Only four games separate Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans, Portland, Utah, and Dallas.  Any team slipping up during the final stretch could mean the difference from being a No. 2 seed and the No. 7 seed  

The Portland Trailblazers are aiming to make a trip to the NBA's post season for the first time since the 2002-2003 season.

But can the Trailblazers elevate their level of play in hopes of nabbing home court advantage in the first round?  Will the youth and inexperience of the Blazers become exposed in the final stretch? 

Can Portland remain focused in every critical game left on its schedule?

Here is a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Blazers that will ultimately determine their season.  Also discussed will be first-round match-ups that would be favorable, not-so-favorable and everything in between.

STRENGTHS

1.  Home-court advantage

The Blazers would love nothing more than to beat out Denver and Utah, and win the Northwest Division.  Most likely, this would give Portland home-court advantage (at the very least) in the first round. 

The Blazers are 28-6 at the Rose Garden, good for fourth best in the NBA.  Portland fans are hungry for a postseason run and would give the Blazers an added boost come playoff time.

2.  No Quit 

Portland has the most wins and best win percentage of any team in the NBA when trailing after the third quarter.  With the second-youngest team in the league, figuring out ways to fight back and win late in games will only help this teams confidence in clutch situations in the postseason.

3.  Brandon Roy 

As a third-year veteran and two-time All-Star, Roy is quietly becoming one of the NBA's clutch players.  A quiet and unassuming leader, Roy has the ability to hit the final shot, get the offensive rebound, set up a teammate, or make a big steal whenever Portland needs it most—especially in the fourth quarter

Nicknamed "The Natural" by Blazer radio broadcaster Mike Wheeler, Roy has all the intangibles of an NBA great and can carry Portland on his shoulders come playoff time.

WEAKNESSES

1.  Winning on the road

Championship-caliber teams can go into any building, anytime, and pull out the road victory in a Game Seven situation against hostile fans.  These teams are the most mentally tough teams and have learned what it takes to come out on top in do-or-die situations. 

The youthful Blazers are 16-20 on the road, and most of those wins came against teams under .500. Portland lacks experience and has yet to figure out what it takes to pull out the tough road victory.

2.  Health 

Becoming as healthy as possible is crucial for Portland.  Greg Oden has been a big question for most of the year, especially during February and March with a lingering knee injury. 

Oden was inserted into the Blazer rotation coming off the bench during their latest five-game road swing (much to the relief of Portland fans).  A formidable middle presence for 48 minutes would help Portland immensely in the postseason.

POTENTIAL PLAYOFF OPPONENTS

New Orleans

The Blazers match-up well against New Orleans and have a definite size advantage.  Slowing down Chris Paul and keeping players like David West and Peja Stojakovic from heating up beyond the arc is key. 

Utah

Like Portland, Utah is deadly at home, but struggles when on the road.  The Jazz are starting to elevate their game, with Carlos Boozer back from being sidelined most of the season. 

Portland, at times, is able to dictate the tempo, and with their size and athleticism have the ability to be the aggressors.

Houston

If Portland has Oden (and he is healthy) to help Joel Pryzbilla, it would help clog the inside and neutralize Yao, and keep the Rockets off the glass. 

Houston likes to run and spread the floor when needed.  Portland can match Houston's quickness with their athleticism. 

Portland's bench though has a big advantage over the Rockets thin bench.

Not-So-Favorable Matchups 

Dallas

Portland has yet to figure out the Mavericks.  Dallas swept the season series from the Blazers, which included two wins in Portland. 

Maverick forward Dirk Nowitzki causes match-up problems for Portland (like most other teams) and Jason Terry has killed the Blazers off the bench with his red-hot shooting and playmaking. 

San Antonio

Portland hasn't won a game in San Antonio in what seems like an eternity, and Portland hasn't come close to smelling a victory in the Alamo City. 

Many of the veterans on San Antonio's roster have won a multiple NBA titles and are savvy come playoff time. 

With a healthy Ginobili, the Spurs are a team many won't want to face in the postseason.

Denver

The Nuggets are tricky.  If head coach George Karl (with the help of veteran Chauncey Billups) can reel in Carmelo Anthony and the rest of the team to focus and get consistent stops, they'll be tough (especially with home court). 

Portland doesn't fair well when playing in the Mile High City, and Denver's length and speed would present problems for the Blazers.

Regardless, the Western Conference teams making this year's playoffs can create problems for the Blazers.  Home-court advantage is essential in helping Portland move past the second round. 

Of course, this isn't a guarantee. 

For Portland to be successful down the home stretch and become a dangerous team in the playoffs, they need to dictate the play on both ends of the floor.  The Blazers must control the tempo on offense and crash the boards, keeping teams from getting second chance opportunities. 

But most importantly, Portland must elevate their play on defense. 

The Blazers have the athleticism and length to harass and swarm the opposing offense, which will create more fast-break opportunities and could really punish opponents.