NBA Playoff Predictions: Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trail Blazers Game One

With the NBA playoffs 2011 starting in just a few hours, every team in the post-season is getting ready to face a challenge.  The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers are no exception.

The series between the Mavericks and Trail Blazers is bound to be one of the most competitive series in the first round of the playoffs.  Several variables make this a great set of games to watch.

First of all, Dallas is looking for playoff redemption (once again).  Portland is looking for some sort of playoff success.  While most experts point to Dallas’ post-season flaws, they fail to acknowledge that Portland has been equally as bad, or worse.

These teams split their four game regular season meetings, with both teams protecting their home court.  Dallas was able to squeeze a game out of Portland without Nowitzki, while Portland easily dominated the Mavericks at home.

As most NBA analysts would say, the playoffs are a different monster.  This Dallas Mavericks team got it done on both ends of the court this year, and they now have the size and athleticism needed to play solid defense against any team they face.

Portland has been sort of a surprise once again, but coming into the playoffs, they were one of the most feared team if not the most feared team in the league.  Their momentum and determination will likely translate into the first round.

The Maverick’s home court advantage will be huge in this series, starting with this first game.  Portland was not able to win in Dallas, and their road record during the season was only 18-23.  The Mavericks were fairly constant both home and away, which does not present as much of an advantage for Portland when they host them at home. 

The Mavericks were not able to stop LaMarcus Aldridge, but with more time to solely focus on defensive schemes before the big game, and a more focused approach than the regular season, they should do a better job.  Nobody outside of Aldridge gave the Mavericks consistent problems.

This game will be close.  In fact, expect the Portland Trail Blazers to establish some sort of small lead early to watch it turn around in the second and third quarter.  The Mavericks will then take control of this game and contain the Trail Blazers down the stretch for a relatively close win.

The Trail Blazers need a win in Dallas to advance to the second round.  The pressure is on them to take one of these first two games.  Game one will not be it.

Mavericks win a physical game 96-88.