Blazers vs. Suns, Throwback Special
Eager to get back to work following a brutal outing against the Clippers, Portland plays host to the Phoenix Suns in a highly anticipated return to the Memorial Coliseum. The players will be wearing the new Rip City jerseys, tickets are $19.70 a piece, and fans will be dressed in their old school gear.
The game won't be televised so your best bet to see the action is to buy a ticket and show up. But there is a big disadvantage to going to the the game. Bill Schonely is also returning to radio and calling part of the action tonight. How glorious is that? I wish they made DVR's for radio. Perhaps I need to dig up something to bring to the game so I can enjoy the best of both worlds.
As far as the game itself, there are a few interesting story-lines. Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge will be looking to regain their roles in the offense and contribute more in the preseason. Also, with the injury to Robin Lopez, former Blazer Channing Frye is taking on the starting center position.
For the Blazers, I'm going to be looking at a few keys to beating the Suns.
- The Blazers defense has been sub-par thus far in preseason. With the Suns recommitting to the up tempo offense, it will be interesting to see how we defend it. A healthy Suns team is tough for any team in the NBA, especially the Blazers.
- I want to see how LaMarcus handles Amare Stoudemire. Amare should be nearly back to full strength, when healthy he is one of the most physically gifted power forwards in the league. LA's new beef and motivation could make this match-up heated. If not tonight, definitely in the regular season.
- It should be interesting to watch Brandon Roy tonight. He wanted to get more serious about the preseason so his on court relationship with Andre Miller will be one to watch. Especially if it's a close game down the stretch.
- Greg Oden will take on Channing Frye. Channing isn't nearly of the same physical stature as Greg, but he is a craftier player. I want to see big numbers from Oden. If he can dominate the paint on both ends, it will put a huge wrench in what the Suns like to do.
The atmosphere, the outfits, and the arena are going to make for an eventful game. It almost doesn't feel like preseason. It has been troubling for me not watching the last three games, so tonight is a wonderful change. I have not yet decided if I'm going full throwback for the game, we'll see.
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