Preview: Knicks @ Trail Blazers 12/12/15
Breaking down the Knicks vs. Trail Blazers.
The Blazers head home after one of their best games of the year against Phoenix. The Blazers showed trust in one another by building a lead and finally keeping it. It’s a step in the right direction for the Blazers who have become a dark-horse playoff contender. But the Knicks and their dynamic rookie Kristaps Porzingas come to Portland tonight in what is sure to be an exciting matchup.
Current Form
The Blazers are tied for ninth in the Western Conference and they have collectively decided that new team or not, they’re making a playoff push. The team showed heart in this last road trip, going 2-2 with close losses against the Bucks and the Lebrons- er Cavaliers, excuse me.
The Knicks have to act fast before their climb to the eighth seed becomes too steep. As mentioned before, Porzingas has become the early favorite for Rookie of the Year and the team was spurring playoff conversations. However, they are currently in the middle of a four game losing streak and besides a close loss to the Kings on Thursday, they have been losing big. Edge: Blazers
Key Matchup
Meyers Leonard gets the nod here with his battle to cage the Porzingas beast. Leonard has a very similar game to the Latvian with his sweet shooting and athleticism. The one key difference is Porzingas’ willingness to try and embarrass defenders with his putback dunks. Leonard has to lock down defensively and not let him get to the rim or else the game’s momentum could switch with dunks like this, or this, or this… Edge: Knicks
Coaching
I think the NBA is still trying to figure out who is coaching the Knicks. My belief is that it’s a puppet, with Phil Jackson holding the strings over Derek Fisher. Fisher has the clout and respect of players, but his game plans just don’t seem to be working despite a pretty talented starting five. On the other side of the country, Terry Stotts has somehow built the Blazers into a playoff contender despite their youth and inexperience. Edge: Blazers
Stat to Watch
The number of Three-Pointers the Blazers make tonight will be the deciding factor. The Blazers hit 12 last night against Phoenix with Allen Crabbe, Al-Farouq Aminu and Gereld Henderson making shots to take the pressure off the starting guards. Teams have come back and won late in games by harassing Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. It will be up to the rest of the team to knock down open shots and force defenders to stay honest. Edge: Blazers
Overtime
After Rip City’s offseason, it was expected that there would be a lot of returns and tonight in no exception – the return of fan favorite Robin Lopez. “Sideshow Rob” looks and acts like he’s lived in Portland all his life. He beat up mascots, talked comic books and is a phenomenal artist (The Perfect Portland Person, or PPP) so it was sad to see him go. He should receive a warm welcome when he enters the game. Side note, if you haven’t seen this celebration video yet, just watch and laugh.
Oh yeah, Arron Afflalo is coming back too, he might get some claps.
Gotta go with the home team on this one. I know that the Knicks are talented and rested, but the Blazers have looked good recently and are taking positive steps every game.
Don’t forget to check out NBA Playoffs Update: Race for the 8!