Blazers @ Clippers, Pregame Thoughts

Tonight the Blazers finally take on a new foe, one that will present bigger and better players for Greg Oden to test his game against. It seems like the perfect game to have on TV, number one pick Blake Griffin making his debut for the new look Clippers. Greg Oden trying to prove himself to the world. But once again, despite the half hearted explanations, this game will not be televised. I can't really describe the frustration it causes me.

In my mind, the most interesting thing tonight will be the starting line-up. McMillan is going to start Roy, Miller, Batum, Aldridge, Oden. That is the line-up I've been dying to see hear play and it's the third starting line-up in three games.

Not that I ever had any doubt, but it will be interesting to see hear how Miller and Roy play together. I have no doubt in their ability to distribute, but who takes the ball up the court? Who initiates the offense? How will overall chemistry be during this game?

For the Clippers, obviously the debut of Blake Griffin is a huge story. When I saw Blake in summer league, he was getting double teamed like a superstar and had trouble getting his shot. On a team with guys like Baron Davis and Eric Gordon, Griffin will get plenty of opportunities to earn his stripes. The Clippers plan to start Gordon, Davis, Rasual Butler, Thornton, and Kaman in tonights game.

Kaman presents a legit center opponent for Greg Oden, and I expect him to continue his solid play. His last two games were not just products of unworthy opponents, but simply building blocks in Greg's development. A double double is likely, just not neccessarily twenty points.

Roy and Aldridge aren't expected to play much, so this will be another great opportunity for our bench guys to get serious playing time. I expect a fun game, maybe it can be found on the internet somewhere. You never know!

As a sidenote, "#10" of Blazer's Edge posted an incredible translation from an interview with Nic Batum regarding Brandon Roy. "Must read" is not an over reaction.