Game 1: Blazers vs. Rockets, 7:00pm KGW

It's here.

One of the most anticipated Blazer seasons in recent memory is finally upon us. It's been a long and dramatic off-season that included drafting three young guys, trading away fan favorites, participation in Eurobasket, dealing with replacement refs, and all the drama an NBA team can handle.

Actual basketball will be played this evening and there is no more room for prognosticating, predicting and prophesizing.

The Blazers opponent tonight? The same team that knocked them out of last years playoffs. But this Rockets team is very different. Injury losses to Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo, as well as the swap of Artest for Ariza. Plus McGrady still hasn't returned. You'll only recognize a few solid contributors and a few scrubs.

The Blazers are a better team and tonight will prove it. Portland has been through a tough playoff series loss. They also have their two best players locked up for five more years. Although chemistry concerns are swarming, the talent is undeniable. This team is ready to take the next step. Are you ready?

Houston Rockets coverage at Rockets Buzz and The Dream Shake .

Blazers	Analysis	Rockets
PG	In the playoffs last season, Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry completely destroyed our point guards. They were faster, more aggressive, and basically more comfortable in the playoffs. For those reasons Portland brought in Andre Miller to counter the attack of any opponent. Andre has a ton of experience, he can manipulate his opponent, and best of all, he can create offense. Blazers consistently win this match-up now.	PG
SG	One major change for the Rockets was the swap of Ron Artest for Trevor Ariza . Ariza proved in Los Angeles that he was destined for bigger things, so Houston decided to give him a shot. The guy can definitely play and his athletic ability makes him versatile on offense and defense. But in this opening night game, he gets Brandon Roy . Roy is about to start his fourth year and I don't see any guard for the Rockets being able to stop him. Also, if Rudy is back and able to play, he'll spread the floor and cause plenty of havoc.	SG
SF	The Blazers starting unit took a big hit yesterday when it was announced that Nicolas Batum would be out for 3-5 months. So that leaves Martell Webster who's returning from injury and Travis Outlaw . They face a tough tandem for Houston as Shane Battier is a lock-down defender and Chase Budinger has been very good as a rookie in preseason. It will be interesting to see what Martell can do in his first full game in over a year. Let's hope Travis can be a force off the bench.	SF
PF	In the playoffs last year, Luis Scola earned his spot in the NBA. He took over offensively at times, worked overtime on defense and was very frustrating for our front line. With renewed expectations and a fresh contract extension, LaMarcus Aldridge is ready to make the leap into all-star status. Unfortunately in this particular match-up, with the defense of Landry , I have to give the slightest edge to Houston's power forwards. Just so I'm not too homered out on day one.	PF
C	The absence of Yao Ming puts a monumental burden on the Houston Rocket backups. Yao was already their only true big man and with him gone, the offensively inept Chuck Hayes steps in. Hayes is also undersized, coming in at 6'6". The backups don't get any better with unproven David Andersen or Pops Menah-Bonsu . This should be a breakout game for Greg Oden . He should dominate the boards, offensively and defensively. Przybilla will also have his way with the Rocket centers. Blazers dominate here.	C

Overall Winner: