Preseason Game 1:Blazers vs. Kings

Tonight, the Blazers finally get a chance to show the world what all the buzz has been about this offseason. Oh wait, that's right, the only people who get to see anything this preseason are those in attendance at the Rose Garden. How are these games not televised? Isn't it 2009?

Since I don't have gobs of cash to throw at preseason games, I'll be stuck at home watching nothing. Unless of course it shows up magically on the Internet. The high ups need to explain.

Anyway, regardless of whether or not the game is on TV, there are plenty of storylines for tonight's game. I believe Nate plans to go with the guys who ended last season as starters: Blake, Roy, Batum, Aldridge, and Przybilla. As for the Kings, they are going to start Tyreke Evans, Kevin Martin, Desmond Mason, Jason Thompson, and Sean May.

There is no way we can base any pregame assumptions on the fan fest scrimmage last night, but there are a few things to observe. Obviously, this is Sergio's return to Portland after being traded away for next to nothing last summer. I'm sure he'll want some form of player revenge but I think we'll end up seeing why we got rid of him in the first place.

The Kings aren't exactly the most talented team in the West, so I'm going to be looking listening for Greg Oden to establish dominance against a fairly weak Sacramento front line. I personally won't put much stock in any positive or negative things Greg does in the preseason, but positive improvements can't hurt.

Besides all of that, I don't know what else to expect. I think the Blazers will win and Nicolas will be the player of the game!

Go Blazers!

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